J.H.S. 131 Albert Einstein

Test scores here remain below the District 8 averages — 36.8% in ELA versus 46% districtwide, and 37.8% in math versus 48% districtwide — but the trajectory tells an important story. Math proficiency has jumped from single digits in 2016 to nearly 40% in 2025, and ELA has more than tripled over the same period. Grade 8 students are performing notably stronger (46.5% ELA, 48% math) than their 6th grade peers (29.2% ELA, 23.9% math), suggesting students make meaningful growth during their time here. The overall quality score of 1.49 out of 4 reflects where the school is relative to district expectations, but the upward trend is real.

The survey data tells a striking story: parents love this school. Parent satisfaction sits at 97%, with 98% expressing trust in teachers and 97% trusting the principal. Teachers give their own instruction quality a perfect 100% rating — well above the district average of 88% — and 92% trust the principal. Attendance is a concern: the 89% attendance rate matches the district average, but chronic absenteeism is high at 56%, meaning more than half of students are missing significant school time. Discipline has increased slightly, with 8 suspensions last year (2% rate), up from 1 in 2021-22. The school is safe enough — teacher-reported safety comes in near district average — but chronic absenteeism is the red flag here.

This is a high-need school community. With an economic need index of 89.4% — among the highest in the district — nearly 9 in 10 students qualify for free or reduced lunch. The student body is predominantly Hispanic (64%) with significant Black enrollment (27%). A quarter of students have IEPs, indicating substantial special education support needs. The diversity index of 54% reflects a relatively homogeneous student population, which aligns with the neighborhood's demographics. At 343 students across three grades, it's a small-to-medium middle school, allowing for more personalized attention.

Soundview-Clason Point is a working-class Bronx neighborhood with real challenges. The median household income of $64,402 is below citywide averages, and 21.8% of residents live in poverty. Only 22.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or higher, and homeownership sits at just 28%. The neighborhood scores poorly on safety (42nd percentile) and education orientation (20th percentile), though it rates high on stability (74th percentile) — families who live here tend to stay. Transit access is moderate, and the area has seen ongoing urban renewal efforts. There are parks and community resources, but families should expect a neighborhood that requires navigating some infrastructure challenges.

Students generally walk or take local bus routes to school. The neighborhood is residential with moderate walkability, though families from farther afield may rely on public transit. Parents should factor in commute time, especially for middle schoolers traveling alone.