I.S. 206 Ann Mersereau

Test scores at I.S. 206 are below the District 10 average — 24% ELA versus 45% district-wide, and 39% math versus 44% — but the trajectory matters. Math has nearly quadrupled since 2016 and jumped 30 percentage points in just two years (2022-2024). Grade 8 students are performing at 62% math proficiency, which is strong for the district, while Grade 6 shows the strongest overall performance. The overall quality score of 1.27/4 reflects where the school has been, not necessarily where it's heading.

This is where the school shines in unexpected ways. Parent satisfaction sits at 99%, principal trust is a perfect 100%, and teachers rate instruction quality at 97%. The suspension rate is effectively zero (1 suspension in 2023-24), and teachers report strong collegial trust at 93%. Attendance is slightly above district average at 91%, though chronic absenteeism is a significant issue at 68% — meaning many students are missing substantial school time despite the positive climate. The day-to-day feel is clearly warm and trusting, with strong relationships between families and staff.

At 208 students, this is a small school with a predominantly Hispanic student body (89%), reflecting the neighborhood demographics. Ten percent are Black, and 32% have IEPs — a higher special education population than many district schools. The diversity index is low at 24%, meaning the student body is quite homogeneous, which can create a tight-knit community feel.

University Heights is a working-class Bronx neighborhood with strong transit access (77th percentile) and very high family density (89th percentile), meaning lots of kids in the area. However, it's also a neighborhood with significant challenges: low median income ($42,688), high poverty (26%), and a safety score of just 6.9 — well below average. The education orientation is low (24th percentile), suggesting fewer families here prioritize formal education than in some other parts of the city. There are parks and transit options nearby, but parents should be aware of the neighborhood's safety profile.

The area is highly walkable and transit-accessible given the high density and strong transit scores. Many families likely walk or take the bus/subway.