Motley
Citywide / specialized
PublicPre-K Universal

Lexington Children's Center

115 East 98 Street

At a Glance

A neighborhood-based early childhood center serving 3-year-olds and pre-K students in a high-density, transit-rich pocket of East Harlem

Best suited for

Families seeking universal pre-K in East Harlem who prioritize transit access and are comfortable with urban neighborhood trade-offs; parents of 3 and 4-year-olds who want a neighborhood-based program and plan to pursue kindergarten seats elsewhere; families who value walkability and don't have car-dependent commutes.

What stands out
  • Universal pre-K access with no zoned assignment required
  • Exclusive 3K and Pre-K program — no K-12 transition concerns within building
  • Excellent transit connectivity for families commuting from other parts of Manhattan or the Bronx
  • Part of East Harlem's growing early childhood network
Things to consider
  • This is a 3K/Pre-K only school — students must enroll elsewhere for kindergarten
  • Very limited teacher survey data makes cultural assessment difficult
  • High neighborhood crime density and safety concerns relative to city averages
  • Elevated asthma rates in the area may concern families of children with respiratory conditions
  • No academic performance data available — impossible to compare to district averages
  • Relatively few households with children in immediate area (8.6%) may limit peer network outside school

Based on 2024-2025 data

School SummaryDistrict

As an early childhood center, Lexington Children's Center does not compete on traditional academic metrics. Among NYC's 3K and pre-K programs, it serves a neighborhood with significant socioeconomic challenges and strong transit advantages. Families should evaluate it as an early education option rather than comparing to K-8 or district schools.

AcademicsSteady

As a 3K and pre-K program, Lexington Children's Center does not have state test scores or academic proficiency data. Instruction is play-based and developmentally appropriate for 3 and 4-year-olds, aligned with NYC's early childhood framework.

Culturemoderate

Teacher survey response rate was very limited (3 responses), making it difficult to assess school culture with confidence. Attendance data reflects the challenges of early childhood programs — absences are common among 3 and 4-year-olds, and chronic absenteeism thresholds differ from older grades. Parents considering the school should visit in person to gauge the day-to-day environment and speak directly with staff about their child's transition and daily experience.

Community

This is a neighborhood-serving early childhood center in a part of East Harlem with relatively few households with children (8.6%) but very high family density scores — suggesting many extended families or multigenerational households. The community is predominantly low-income (median household income $44,054) with a poverty rate of 29.5%, and a majority-rental population (homeownership at just 7.8%).

NeighborhoodEast Harlem (South)

East Harlem (South) offers excellent transit access (80th percentile) making commutes easy, but faces real quality-of-life challenges. Safety scores rank in the 12th percentile, with elevated crime density and collision rates. The neighborhood has significant health environment concerns — high asthma emergency department rates (155 per 100,000) and elevated lead exposure risk (7.9%). Families should factor in these environmental health considerations, particularly for children with respiratory issues. That said, the area has seen recent investment and has parks and community resources.

Very walkable neighborhood with strong subway access — families can easily walk or take short bus rides. The area is dense and urban, so expect street noise and active traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lexington Children's Center a good school?
Published quality ratings aren't available for Lexington Children's Center yet on Motley. It's a public school serving grades 3-K to Pre-K in East Harlem (South).
What grades does Lexington Children's Center serve?
Lexington Children's Center serves grades 3-K to Pre-K.
How do students get into Lexington Children's Center?
Lexington Children's Center admits through the NYC 3-K and Pre-K application.
Is Lexington Children's Center public, charter, or private?
Lexington Children's Center is a public school.
What neighborhood is Lexington Children's Center in?
Lexington Children's Center is in East Harlem (South), Manhattan.
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