J.H.S. 080 The Mosholu Parkway

Test scores have climbed meaningfully from the 2016 baseline — ELA rose from 13.6% to 37.2% and math more than doubled from 15.8% to 37.1% — but both subjects remain below the District 10 averages of 45% and 43.5% respectively. The 2025 scores represent a slight dip from 2022-2024 peaks, suggesting the school is holding ground rather than gaining. Grade-level data shows Grade 7 performing strongest in math (49.7%) while Grade 6 leads in ELA (39.7%), indicating the academic program works but inconsistent results across grades may reflect uneven student transitions or teaching teams.

The survey data tells a striking story: this is a school where people feel connected. Parent satisfaction sits at 92%, parent-teacher trust at 94%, and parent-principal trust at an impressive 95%. Teachers report 94% quality of instruction and a remarkable 99% trust in the principal — nearly universal. Yet this positive climate coexists with a troubling attendance pattern: chronic absenteeism affects 63.6% of students, far exceeding typical middle school rates. The 89.7% daily attendance rate is below the district average, and while discipline is minimal (only 1% suspension rate, down from 6 suspensions in 2022-23), chronic absenteeism suggests many families struggle to get students to school consistently — a disconnect between survey respondents and daily attendance reality.

The student body is predominantly Hispanic (73%) with significant Black (14%) and Asian (7%) representation, reflecting Norwood's diverse working-class population. Nearly a quarter of students (24%) have Individualized Education Programs, and the economic need index of 92.6% indicates almost all families face financial hardship. Yet the community that remains engaged shows deep commitment to the school — the 73% family survey response rate suggests active parent participation among those who can participate, even if chronic absenteeism data hints at families struggling to maintain regular attendance.

Norwood is a densely populated residential corner of the Bronx, ranking in the 84th percentile for family density — meaning lots of children, lots of households with kids. The neighborhood scores poorly on safety (8.43/100) and education orientation (22.61/100), reflecting both real safety concerns and fewer highly educated households (only 22.8% have bachelor's degrees). Transit access is strong (73.95/100) and stability is high (80.08/100), suggesting long-term residents who may have deep community ties but limited economic mobility. Homeownership is extremely rare at 4.5%, meaning most families rent. Asthma rates are notably high, a health concern in this area.

Norwood is a walkable neighborhood and many families likely walk or take local buses. The Mosholu Parkway itself is a major thoroughfare, and the area is well-served by subway and bus lines connecting to the rest of the Bronx and Manhattan.