Cornerstone Academy for Social Action Middle School (CASA)

Test scores here are significantly below the District 11 average — 30.6% in ELA versus 56.7% districtwide, and 19.6% in math versus 55.6% districtwide. The school's overall quality rating of 1/4 reflects this gap. However, the data shows an unusual pattern: math scores spiked dramatically from 10% in 2022 to 43.1% in 2024, then dropped back down to 19.6% in 2025, suggesting possible instability in instruction or curriculum alignment. Grade 8 performs notably stronger in ELA (44.6%) than grades 6 and 7, but math falls off sharply to just 16% in eighth grade. This suggests the school may have found success with certain grade levels or instructional approaches but hasn't yet built a consistent pipeline across all three grades.

Here's where the picture shifts. Parent satisfaction sits at 87%, and parent trust in both teachers (96%) and the principal (100%) is exceptionally high — notably above the district average in the case of principal trust. Teachers report strong collegial bonds (92%) but somewhat lower trust in the principal (79%), and teacher-rated instruction quality (81%) trails the district average of 92%. Attendance is a real concern: the school runs at 88% versus the district average of 91.2%, and a striking 56.4% of students are chronically absent — one of the highest rates in the area. However, discipline has improved dramatically: after three suspensions in 2021-22, the school recorded zero suspensions in each of the past two years, suggesting a deliberate shift toward restorative practices.

The student body is 61% Black and 35% Hispanic, with minimal representation of other groups. Nearly three-quarters of students are from households with significant economic need (economic need index: 81), and 28% have IEPs — both well above typical district averages. The diversity index of 49% reflects a relatively homogeneous student population despite the neighborhood's changing demographics. With only 200 students total, this is a small school where most families know each other's names.

Eastchester-Edenwald-Baychester is a predominantly residential area in the northeast Bronx characterized by single-family homes, a growing Korean-American community, and relative stability — the neighborhood scores 88 on the stability index. Families note that the area feels safer than more southern parts of the Bronx, though the safety score of 45 suggests ongoing concerns. Transit options are limited (score: 39), and the area is more car-dependent than many parts of the city. There are several parks and family-oriented businesses along sections of Eastchester Road, and the neighborhood has seen new housing development in recent years.

Most families drive or rely on busing; the area is not pedestrian-heavy and transit access is limited compared to denser parts of the Bronx.