Legacy College Preparatory Charter School

Test scores sit right at the district average for ELA (51.5% vs. 51.3%) but lag in math (41.9% vs. 49%), a gap that has persisted across the charter's history. The school shows a volatile academic trajectory — scores climbed from 2018-2023, peaked at 51.9% ELA and 48.7% math in 2023, then slipped back in 2024 before partially recovering. Middle school grades 6-8 show the strongest ELA performance at roughly 50-57%, but math drops sharply in grade 8 to 35.7%. With an overall quality score of 1.87 out of 4, the school sits below the district average of 2.01.

The survey data tells a surprisingly positive story: parents rate satisfaction, trust in teachers, and trust in the principal all at 93%, and teachers report 93% confidence in instruction quality and 93% trust in leadership. Teacher collegial trust sits at 89%. However, this trust exists alongside a troubling 68.8% chronic absenteeism rate that affects both male (69.2%) and female (68.5%) students almost equally, with Hispanic students at 71.6% and Black students at 63.6%. Attendance sits at 91.2%, essentially matching the district average. The disconnect between high survey marks and poor attendance suggests families believe in the school's mission but face real barriers to getting kids to school consistently.

The student body is predominantly Hispanic (64%) and Black (34%), reflecting the neighborhood's demographics. With an economic need index of 92.4% and 21% of students receiving special education services, this is a high-need population. The school draws 645 students across grades 6-12 with class sizes averaging 20.5, right on par with district averages. A diversity index of 42% indicates moderate demographic variety within the school.

Mott Haven-Port Morris is one of the city's most resource-constrained neighborhoods. Median household income is just $29,110, only 12.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree, and homeownership sits at 6.1%. The area scores poorly on safety (16th percentile) and education orientation (5th percentile), though transit access is moderate (48th percentile). Environmental health concerns are notable — asthma emergency department visits run at 75.5 per 1,000, and lead exposure rates reach 12.1%. These are the realities families here navigate daily.

The neighborhood is walkable, though families come from across the South Bronx via public transit. The area has bus service but limited subway access, and many students travel significant distances given the charter's lottery-based enrollment drawing from beyond immediate vicinity.