Jacob Riis School

Test score data is not provided for this school, making direct academic performance comparison to the district average of 73% ELA and 73% math impossible. What we know: class sizes average 25.8 students, essentially identical to the district average of 25.8, suggesting standard instructional resources. Parent satisfaction registers at 92%, matching the district average, while teacher instruction quality scores at 90%. Without proficiency data, parents should contact the school directly for academic outcome details.

This school's discipline record stands out: zero total suspensions in the most recent reporting period, compared to a district average of 0.3%. Teacher-reported safety scores 95%, matching the district average. The school appears to prioritize non-exclusionary discipline practices. However, with only 7.8% of neighborhood households containing children, the school serves a population where many students may lack sibling or peer support systems at home — making school climate particularly important.

The school draws from Chinatown-Two Bridges, a neighborhood where only 7.8% of households have children — the lowest family density context in the city. The community has a 33% poverty rate, median income of $35,443, and just 30% of adults hold bachelor's degrees. Most families here rent (only 10% homeownership), and home values average $633,000. This suggests a student body largely from working-class, recently immigrated, or multi-generational households where school may be the primary consistent structure in children's lives.

Chinatown-Two Bridges is a high-density, transit-rich neighborhood with an education orientation score of 86 (high). Transit access scores 87, meaning getting around without a car is easy. However, safety scores just 22, and the health environment scores a concerning 9 — reflecting elevated lead rates, asthma rates, and housing code violations. There are few parks or open spaces given the density. Families should know the neighborhood has significant foot traffic, small businesses, and the cultural institutions of Chinatown, but also the challenges that come with overcrowding and older housing stock.

The neighborhood is highly walkable with excellent subway access. Many families likely walk or take public transit. The school sits in a dense urban area where street crossings can be challenging for younger middle schoolers, and traffic/collision rates are elevated.