Family Life Academy Charter School II

The school's 55.6% ELA proficiency sits slightly above the district average of 51.3%, while math at 44.2% falls just below the 49% district average. These numbers tell a story of a school that was once a top performer — in 2016 it boasted 91.6% ELA and 78.1% math — but has experienced significant erosion. The 2022 pandemic year hit hard, with math cratering to 29.4%, though it's recovered to 44.2% by 2025. Grade-level data shows a concerning pattern: strong early elementary performance (Grade 4 hits 87% in both subjects) that deteriorates in middle school, particularly Grade 8 math at just 16.3%. The school earned a 2/4 overall score, matching the district average.

The data reveals a tension: survey scores show strong foundations (88% instruction quality, 80.5% safety, 93.5% parent satisfaction), yet attendance is a serious concern. The 89.6% attendance rate trails the 91.1% district average, and chronic absenteeism at 60.2% is notably high — meaning nearly two-thirds of students are missing significant school time. This affects learning, particularly for Black students (68.9% chronic absence) and females (62.2%). The 0.84% suspension rate is low, suggesting a relatively progressive discipline approach. The day-to-day feel appears to be one of committed families and decent teacher morale, but chronic absenteeism is undermining academic outcomes.

With 745 students in grades K-8, this is a mid-size charter serving a predominantly Hispanic community (73%) in a neighborhood that's 73% Hispanic. The student body is 25% Black, with virtually no Asian or white enrollment — reflecting the demographics of Mott Haven-Port Morris. Eleven percent of students have IEPs, and a striking 87.3% have economic need. The diversity index is low at 37%, which is typical for this neighborhood. Families here are working-class to low-income, and the school serves as a critical community anchor.

Mott Haven-Port Morris is one of the most economically disadvantaged areas in the city, with a median household income of just $29,110, 40% poverty rate, and only 12% of adults holding a bachelor's degree. The neighborhood scores poorly on safety (16.9 percentile) and has environmental health concerns: elevated lead rates (12.1%) and very high asthma emergency department rates (75.5 per 1,000). On the plus side, it's transit-accessible (48th percentile) and has moderate stability (67th percentile). The median home value of $819,494 reflects Bronx real estate pressures without corresponding income levels. Families should know the neighborhood has limited family-oriented infrastructure — only 12.2% of households have children.

Public transit is the primary option for most families, with several bus lines serving the area. The school draws from across District 7, so many families commute — there's no dedicated school bus service typical of district schools.