I.S. 254

Test scores at I.S. 254 remain significantly below District 10 averages: 31.6% in ELA versus the district's 45%, and 30.1% in Math versus 43.5%. The school earned an overall quality score of 1.23 out of 4 — notably lower than the district average of 1.77. However, there is meaningful historical improvement: ELA has risen from 13.3% in 2016 to the current 31.6%, and math climbed from 16.6% to 30.1% over the same period. Performance varies sharply by grade — 7th graders show the strongest results (35.1% ELA, 42% Math), while 6th graders lag (19.1% ELA), suggesting uneven implementation of academic supports across grade levels.

The climate picture here is mixed but leans concerning. Parents report exceptionally high satisfaction (95%) and strong trust in teachers (95%) and the principal (96%) — suggesting the school feels welcoming on the surface. However, teacher-reported trust metrics reveal cracks: only 76% of teachers trust the principal, and just 60% report collegial trust among staff. Discipline data is trending the wrong direction — suspensions rose from 7 in 2022-23 to 16 in 2023-24, a 129% increase. Combined with 68.4% chronic absenteeism (far above district norms), these signals suggest underlying instability that may not be visible to families during brief visits.

The student body is predominantly Hispanic (84%), with Black students comprising 13% and minimal Asian (2%) and White (1%) enrollment — reflecting Belmont's demographics. With a diversity index of just 31% and 91.7% economic need, this is a high-poverty school serving a high-poverty neighborhood. One-quarter of students (26%) have IEPs, indicating substantial special education support needs. The school offers robust programming across arts, STEM, and sports, but the academic outcomes suggest these offerings aren't yet translating into stronger test performance.

Belmont is a densely populated, transit-accessible Bronx neighborhood known for its family concentration and working-class character. The area scores very low on safety (2.3 out of 100) with elevated crime density and collision rates. Environmental health concerns are notable — the asthma emergency department rate is 75.5 per 1,000, and 15.2% of homes have elevated lead risk. Median household income is just $32,956, and only 13.1% of residents have a bachelor's degree. Despite these challenges, the neighborhood has stability (67.82 score) and offers local commercial corridors and parks that many families rely on.

Belmont is a walkable neighborhood with moderate transit access, and most zoned families can walk or take short bus rides. However, the low safety score and traffic concerns mean parents of younger students often accompany children to school.