Creston Academy

Test scores at Creston Academy sit below the District 10 average — 39.4% ELA proficiency versus 45% district-wide, and 40.5% math versus 43.5% district-wide. The school's 1.6 overall score also trails the district average of 1.77. However, the long-term trend is encouraging: math proficiency has grown from 23.5% in 2016 to 40.5% in 2025, a 17-point gain, while ELA improved from 24% to nearly 40%. The 2025 scores show Grade 8 performing strongest in ELA (47.3%), suggesting the older students are benefiting from the school's approach. Grade 7 stands out in math at 46.7%. Science proficiency at 33.3% is notably lower than both core subjects.

The climate data reveals a genuinely welcoming school despite the attendance challenges. Parent satisfaction hits 95%, with near-perfect trust scores between families and teachers (98%) and families and the principal (96%). Teachers report 90% instruction quality and 84% trust in leadership — solid if not exceptional. The standout issue is chronic absenteeism: at 68.6%, it far exceeds what you'd expect from a school with 91.4% daily attendance. This suggests a chunk of students are missing significant school time despite the school's efforts. On the positive side, suspensions are nearly nonexistent — just 2 in 2023-24, down from 3 the prior two years — creating a discipline environment focused on keeping students in class.

Creston Academy's student body is 84% Hispanic and 13% Black, reflecting the demographics of Fordham Heights, where the poverty rate hits 32.6% and median household income is just $40,304. The economic need index of 94.1% means virtually every student qualifies for free or reduced lunch. At 21%, the IEP population is notable — this is a school that serves a substantial number of students with special education needs. The diversity index sits at 31%, low because the population is largely homogeneous, which is typical for this neighborhood. Family survey response rate at 41% suggests moderate engagement, though those who responded gave overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Fordham Heights is a high-density, transit-rich Bronx neighborhood where families make up nearly 94% of the population — it's genuinely built for families, even if resources are stretched. Safety scores register at zero, which is a significant concern for parents; crime density and collision rates are elevated, and the asthma emergency department rate (75.5 per 1,000) signals environmental health challenges. On the upside, transit access scores 85, making commutes manageable. Education orientation is very low (8.43), suggesting this isn't a neighborhood where families prioritize private schools or tutoring — public schools like Creston are the backbone.

The school is accessible by bus and subway, with strong transit scores reflecting the neighborhood's connectivity. Many families likely walk or use short bus rides given the high family density and very low car ownership (homeownership is just 1.1%).