Lucero Elementary School

Test scores at Lucero are well below the District 9 average: 23.6% in ELA versus 44.8% district-wide, and 22.2% in Math versus 44.7% district-wide. The school's overall score of 0.92 out of 4 places it far below the district average of 1.79. Historical data shows a concerning pattern — scores rose dramatically from 2016 to 2019 (ELA jumped from 10% to 38%, Math from 6% to 46%), then declined steadily, with the most recent 2025 scores dropping to 23.6% ELA and 22.2% Math. Grade-level data reveals uneven performance: 5th graders show stronger ELA (42.9%) but weaker Math (21.4%), while 3rd and 4th graders struggle across both subjects.

The culture and climate data tells a markedly different story than academics. Parent satisfaction sits at 96% (above the 94% district average), and trust between families and teachers (99%) and families and the principal (99%) is exceptionally high. Teachers report near-universal confidence in instruction quality (99% vs. 90% district average) and feel safe at work (94% vs. 83% district average). Attendance is slightly better than district average at 91.1%, but chronic absenteeism is a serious issue at 62% — notably higher among Hispanic students (65%) than Black students (41%). Discipline is a genuine strength: zero suspensions for three consecutive years. The day-to-day feel appears warm and trusting, though chronic absenteeism suggests some families are still struggling to engage consistently.

The student body is remarkably homogeneous: 91% Hispanic, 7% Black, 2% White, with virtually no Asian students. The diversity index of 21% reflects this lack of demographic variety. Nearly a quarter of students (24%) have IEPs, indicating significant special education population. With an economic need index of 94.4% — one of the highest in the area — virtually all families here are facing economic hardship. This is a school that serves a specific community: low-income, predominantly Hispanic families in the South Bronx.

Mount Eden-Claremont (West) is a densely populated Bronx neighborhood with strong family presence (94.64th percentile for family density) but limited educational orientation (25th percentile). The area has excellent transit access (83.52) but faces real safety challenges (0.77 score, crime density over 8,800 incidents). With only 4.4% homeownership and a median household income of $45,405, it's a working-class community where most families rent. There's a high asthma rate (75.5 per 1,000 ED visits) and elevated lead exposure (15.2%), environmental concerns common in parts of the South Bronx.

Given the neighborhood's high family density and excellent transit score, many families likely walk or take public transportation. The area is densely built-up, making the school accessible to local residents.