Neighborhood Charter School: Bronx

With 73.9% ELA proficiency and 76.3% math proficiency, this school performs significantly above the District 7 averages of 51% and 49% respectively — a meaningful gap that reflects strong academic instruction. However, the historical trend shows some volatility: math scores dipped from 83.2% in 2023 to 81.9% in 2024 before dropping more sharply to 76.3% in 2025, while ELA saw a similar pattern before rebounding to 73.9% this year. The consistency across grades 3-5 (ELA ranges from 66.1% to 77.8%) suggests the curriculum is working across different student cohorts, though the year-over-year fluctuations are worth watching.

The survey data reveals a school where families feel genuinely connected: 94% parent satisfaction and 97% trust in both teachers and the principal signal strong relationships. Teachers report 90% safety — notably higher than the district average of 80.5%, which is especially meaningful in a neighborhood where safety concerns are real. However, the internal teacher culture shows some tension: teacher-principal trust sits at 80% and collegial trust among teachers at 75%, both below the parent-facing numbers. The chronic absenteeism rate of 82.2% is strikingly high, though the raw attendance rate of 94.6% suggests students who do attend show up regularly — the issue is getting them to come in the first place.

The student body reflects the neighborhood's demographics: 67% Hispanic and 27% Black students, with very small Asian (1%) and White (1%) populations — a diversity index of 45% that mirrors the surrounding community. With 37% of students having IEPs and 82.6% economic need index, this is a population with significant support needs. The school is small at 270 students with class sizes averaging 20.5, matching the district average.

Mott Haven-Port Morris is one of the city's highest-need neighborhoods: median household income is just $29,110, the poverty rate is 40.1%, and only 12.2% of residents have a bachelor's degree. The area scores poorly on safety (16.86) and education orientation (5.36), reflecting the challenges families here face. However, it scores moderately well on stability (66.67) and has decent transit access (48.28). Environmental health indicators show elevated concerns, including a lead elevated rate of 12.1% and high asthma rates. For families, this is a neighborhood where a strong school can provide a critical supportive structure.

With moderate transit access and a neighborhood density that supports walking, many families likely walk to school; however, the area's safety scores suggest parents may accompany younger children