Creo College Preparatory Charter School

Creo’s 2025 ELA proficiency of 55.3% and math proficiency of 50.1% both edge above the District 7 averages (51.3% and 49% respectively), placing it slightly ahead of the pack. But the more telling story is the trajectory: math proficiency jumped from 28.9% in 2022 to 50.1% in 2025 — a 21-point gain — while ELA has seesawed, settling at its highest point yet in 2025 at 55.3%. The grade-level breakdown reveals a school where older students thrive: 8th graders hit 75.9% ELA and 66.7% math proficiency, while 6th graders are still building momentum at 46.1% and 44.3%. This suggests the school’s model works well for students who stay through middle school, though there’s a clear front-loading of challenges in the younger grades.

The survey data here is striking. Teachers rate instruction quality at 98% and report 100% trust in their principal — numbers you rarely see in any school, let alone one serving a high-need population. Parents mirror that sentiment: 94% satisfaction and 97% trust in both teachers and the principal. This suggests a school where people genuinely feel heard and respected. However, the attendance picture is complicated. The official attendance rate of 88% is slightly below the district average of 91.1%, but the chronic absenteeism rate of 52.5% is far more concerning — meaning more than half of students missed enough school to be considered chronically absent. This disconnect (high trust, high absenteeism) may reflect families’ appreciation for the school culture despite logistical barriers to getting kids there consistently. Teacher-reported safety is 88%, above the district average of 80.5%.

Creo’s student body is predominantly Hispanic (64%) and Black (33%), reflecting the demographics of Melrose and the broader South Bronx. With an economic need index of 84.4% — meaning nearly 85% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch — this is a school serving families with significant material hardship. Twenty-six percent of students have IEPs, slightly above what you might expect. The diversity index of 45% is moderate. Compared to a neighborhood where only 13.9% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree and homeownership is just 10%, this school represents an educational anchor for families who may not have had many options.

Melrose is a South Bronx neighborhood defined by its density, transit access, and economic strain. The median household income of $30,236 is among the lowest in the city, and 38.1% of residents live in poverty. That said, the neighborhood scores high on transit (77.78 percentile) — families can get around without a car. Safety concerns are real: the safety score of 1.92 puts this in the bottom tier of city neighborhoods, and environmental health indicators show elevated asthma rates and lead exposure risks. There are family-oriented resources in the area, and the community has a strong neighborhood identity despite the challenges.

The school is located near major transit lines and is walkable from the surrounding blocks. Many families likely walk or take public transit, given the low car ownership rates in the area.