P.S. 021 Philip H. Sheridan

P.S. 021's 2024-25 test scores represent a dramatic turnabout — ELA proficiency of 62.2% and math proficiency of 72.4% both outpace the district averages of 56.7% and 55.6% respectively, and the overall score of 2.69/4 sits well above the district average of 2.25. Looking at the grade-level breakdown, the gains are concentrated in the upper grades: fifth graders show particularly strong performance at 78.4% ELA and 87.5% math, while third and fourth graders are solid but more modest. The historical trend is unusual — scores hovered in the teens and low 20s for years before spiking sharply in 2024 and again in 2025. This could reflect new programs, staffing changes, or other interventions, but parents should ask what drove the shift and whether gains are sustainable.

The survey data tells a remarkably consistent story: families and teachers feel genuinely connected and trusting. Parent satisfaction sits at 94%, parent-teacher trust at 98%, and parent-principal trust at 97% — numbers that reflect a school where communication works and families feel heard. Teachers report similarly high marks: 96% say instruction quality is strong, 98% trust the principal, and 93% trust their colleagues. Safety, as reported by teachers, is 91%. Attendance is a puzzle — the overall rate of 91.4% is basically aligned with the district average, yet chronic absenteeism is staggeringly high at 69.3%, meaning nearly 7 in 10 students miss significant school time. Disciplinary data shows zero suspensions in the most recent year, which is notably low for the district average of 0.49%. The day-to-day feel seems positive and trusting, but the absenteeism rate raises questions about engagement or barriers families face getting kids to school.

With 493 students, P.S. 021 is a mid-sized elementary school that reflects its neighborhood: 54% Black, 38% Hispanic, with smaller Asian (4%) and White (3%) populations. The economic need index of 88.7% is among the highest in the district, indicating most families face significant financial challenges. Twenty-one percent of students have IEPs, suggesting robust special education services. The diversity index of 57% shows meaningful demographic variety. This is a working-class community where public school enrollment is the norm — 94% of families report satisfaction, suggesting the school functions as a neighborhood anchor despite resource constraints.

Williamsbridge-Olinville is a stable, family-dense Bronx neighborhood with a poverty rate of 22.5% and median household income of $55,609 — solidly working-class. Only 20.5% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, and homeownership sits at 31.4%. The neighborhood scores very high on stability (85th percentile) but low on safety (18th percentile) and education orientation (43rd percentile). Transit access is moderate (41st percentile). There are typical Bronx environmental concerns: elevated lead rates (15.2%) and high asthma rates (75.5 per 1,000). Families should know the neighborhood has historically had safety challenges, though it's not unique in the Bronx.

Families in the zoned catchment walk or take short bus rides; those outside the zone may find the commute longer as the neighborhood's transit score is moderate.