Ella Baker School

Ella Baker's test scores tell a story of substantial improvement with a recent wobble. Math has climbed dramatically from 25.5% proficiency in 2016 to 63% in 2024 — more than doubling over eight years — while ELA rose from 44% to a high of 67.6% in 2019 before dipping and recovering to 69.9% in 2025. However, both subjects currently fall below the District 2 averages (ELA 73.2%, math 72.5%), meaning students here are performing below what the typical district school achieves. The grade-level breakdown shows strength in early elementary (Grade 3: 83% ELA, 87% math) that softens considerably by middle school (Grade 6: 48% ELA). With an overall score of 2.63/4, the school sits below the district average of 2.91.

The culture here is defined by exceptional relational trust and an unusual discipline record. Every single family surveyed (100%) reported strong relationships, and parent-teacher trust hits 96% — numbers most schools would envy. Teacher-reported safety is strong at 96%, and there have been zero suspensions. However, there's a tension: chronic absenteeism is remarkably high at 66.5%, more than double what many District 2 schools see. This isn't concentrated in any single group — it's roughly similar across gender and racial subgroups, suggesting a systemic issue rather than a pocket problem. Teacher instruction quality (87%) also trails the district average (89.8%), and only 29 families and 29 teachers responded to surveys, so the glowing satisfaction numbers may reflect a dedicated core rather than universal sentiment. Teacher-principal trust (83%) is notably lower than parent trust, hinting at some leadership tension behind the scenes.

This is a predominantly White (36%) and Hispanic (28%) school in a neighborhood that's 80% college-educated with a median household income of $138,621 — meaning the student body is notably more economically and racially diverse than the surrounding Upper East Side would suggest. The diversity index of 85% is genuinely high. With 22% of students having IEPs and an economic need index of 34.4% (below the citywide average), the school serves a meaningful mix of higher-need students alongside more affluent families. The 36% White enrollment is lower than the neighborhood's demographics would predict, suggesting this isn't simply a school for local affluent families — it's drawing a broader cross-section.

The Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island area is one of the most family-oriented neighborhoods in New York City, ranking in the 99th percentile for family density and 90th percentile for education orientation. Transit access is excellent (85th percentile), making commutes manageable from other parts of Manhattan. However, safety metrics rank in the bottom 35% of the city — this is something families should factor in. The neighborhood has abundant parks, cultural institutions, and child-friendly resources, though homeownership is low (28%) and housing costs are extreme (median home value $1.2M), which shapes who can realistically live here long-term.

The school is accessible via excellent Manhattan transit (subway and bus lines run along and near 67th Street), and the neighborhood is highly walkable. Families from other parts of District 2 commonly commute in.