Fairmont Neighborhood School

Fairmont has made dramatic academic strides since 2016, when just 10% of students passed state ELA tests and 8% passed math. By 2025, both subjects now exceed 35% proficiency — nearly a four-fold improvement in ELA and a five-fold jump in math. However, the school still trails District 12 averages (44.6% ELA, 43.3% math) by a meaningful margin. Grade-level data reveals a striking pattern: fourth graders are thriving with 58.5% math proficiency and 44.2% ELA, while third graders are struggling significantly (11.4% math, 14.3% ELA). This suggests strong upper-grade instruction but possible gaps in early literacy intervention.

The school environment tells a nuanced story. Teachers rate instruction quality at 96% — far above the district average of 88% — and express near-total trust in leadership (98%). Families mirror this sentiment, with 97% trusting the principal and 95% trusting teachers. Survey response rates are strong (72% of families, 17 teachers), suggesting genuine engagement. Discipline is exemplary: zero suspensions for three consecutive years. Yet chronic absenteeism at 60.6% is a serious concern — well above the district average — suggesting that showing up consistently remains a challenge despite the positive school culture. Teacher-reported safety (82%) is slightly below the district average, though still reasonably solid.

With 213 students across pre-K through 5th grade, Fairmont is a small, zoned neighborhood school. The student body is 61% Hispanic, 38% Black, and 1% white — reflecting the demographics of Crotona Park East, where the population is predominantly Hispanic (72%) with significant Black residents. A quarter of students have IEPs, suggesting robust special education services. The economic need index of 93 indicates almost all families face significant financial hardship. Despite these challenges, parent survey participation was strong (187 responses), indicating engaged families who take the time to provide feedback.

Crotona Park East is a high-density, family-oriented Bronx neighborhood with significant challenges. The median household income of $41,412 is well below citywide averages, and 28.5% of residents live in poverty. Only 9.6% of homes are owned — this is a predominantly rental neighborhood. Safety scores are low (12.64 percentile), reflecting elevated crime density in the area. However, transit access is solid (67.43), and family density ranks in the 84th percentile — meaning plenty of kids in the neighborhood. Crotona Park itself offers green space, though air quality concerns exist (PM2.5 levels and elevated asthma rates). The area has seen gradual demographic shifts over time.

Given the high family density and moderate transit scores, most families likely walk or take short bus rides. The neighborhood is densely populated, so students from the zoned area probably live within walking distance.