High School of Economics and Finance

As a specialized high school, this school doesn't report standard ELA and Math proficiency data in the same way as elementary and middle schools, but the competitive admissions process (1911 applicants for 158 seats) signals strong academic selectivity. The school offers AP Courses and maintains class sizes (25.8 students) essentially identical to the district average. The economics and finance focus attracts academically oriented students, though parents should understand this is a career-themed program rather than a general college-preparatory curriculum.

This is where the school truly distinguishes itself. Parent satisfaction sits at 96% versus a district average of 92%, and trust in leadership is even higher—96% for parent-teacher trust and 97% for parent-principal trust. Teachers report similarly strong collegial trust (88%) and trust in leadership (90%). Most notably, there were zero suspensions in the reporting period, compared to a district average suspension rate of 0.3%. This suggests a restorative or supportive approach to discipline rather than exclusionary practices. The family survey response rate is low (10%), which is common for high schools, but the overwhelmingly positive responses from those who did participate are striking.

The student body is notably diverse—49% Hispanic, 23% Asian, 18% Black, and 8% White—with a diversity index of 71%. Nearly half of students (49%) are Hispanic, making this a school where Spanish-language support (both ELL and Spanish Club) likely matters. The economic need index of 75.5% indicates a substantial portion of students come from lower-income households, higher than the affluent surrounding neighborhood would suggest. Nearly 18% of students have IEPs. This is a community school in practice—drawing students from across the city rather than from the immediately surrounding neighborhood, which has very few families with children (13.9%).

The school sits in the Financial District-Battery Park City, one of Manhattan's most transit-rich neighborhoods (99.23 transit score). However, this is a professional/commercial hub rather than a family neighborhood—just 13.9% of households have children. The area boasts exceptional education orientation (89.66) and sky-high home values ($1.27 million median), but the safety score is low (27.2) and the health environment score is notably poor (9.58), with elevated asthma rates and lead concerns. Families should know this is a bustling commercial district that transforms into a quiet residential area evenings and weekends.

The school is highly accessible via excellent subway access, but families living in the immediate area are rare—most students commute from other neighborhoods.