La Cima Charter School

Math is the clear win here — 72.5% proficiency beats the district average of 57%, and the climb from the low 30s in 2016 to the low 70s in 2025 represents real instructional progress. Reading at 48.5% is a different story, sitting below the district's 57.6% average and showing more volatile year-to-year movement. The overall score of 2.42/4 edges slightly above the district average of 2.29, placing this school in modest territory — solid in math, catching up in ELA.

The survey numbers are striking — 95% parent satisfaction, 96% parent-teacher trust, and 100% teacher-reported safety. These are well above district averages and suggest a school where families feel welcomed and teachers feel supported. Teacher-principal trust sits at 91%, and teacher collegial trust at 88%. However, chronic absenteeism is a serious issue at 53.3%, affecting over half of students consistently, with Hispanic students at 58% and males at 55%. This is a school where people who attend are happy — but getting kids through the door consistently is a challenge.

This is a predominantly Black and Hispanic school in a neighborhood that matches that demographic — 59% of students are Black, 35% are Hispanic, with nearly no white or Asian students. The diversity index sits at 48%, reflecting the school's two-largest groups. With 86.6% economic need, this is a high-poverty community, and 22% of students have IEPs, indicating substantial special education support needs. The class size of 17.9 matches the district average exactly.

Bedford-Stuyvesant is a historically rich neighborhood in Brooklyn with strong community ties and excellent transit access — scoring 94.6% for transit, making it easy for commuters. The area scores high on family density (87%) and education orientation (69%), reflecting a parent community that values schools. Safety scores are lower (22.6%), which is something families consider. Median home values are over $1.1 million, showing the neighborhood's shifting economics, though 23% poverty rate indicates ongoing economic diversity.

The neighborhood is walkable and well-served by subway and bus lines, making it accessible for families without cars. Families in the immediate area can walk, while those from further afield benefit from strong transit connectivity.