P.S. 028 Wright Brothers

Test scores have recovered impressively from the 2022 pandemic low (when only 21.4% of students passed ELA and just 13.9% passed math), with 2025 proficiency reaching 39.5% ELA and 46.2% math — still below District 6 averages of 47% and 52%, but the trajectory is upward. Fourth graders perform strongest (43.1% ELA, 50% math), suggesting the school's interventions are working as students move up. The overall quality score of 1.71 out of 4 reflects this recovery period — not yet matching the district average of 1.98 but moving in the right direction.

Here's what's unusual: parent satisfaction sits at 93%, teacher-parent trust at 98%, and 94% of families report strong relationships — these numbers are exceptional, especially for a school where chronic absenteeism is a serious issue (58.6%). Teacher-reported safety (85%) runs below the district average of 93%, which is worth noting. Teachers show high trust in each other (81%) but notably lower trust in leadership (76%). The discipline record is pristine: zero suspensions for three straight years, a significant achievement in a district where the average suspension rate is 0.4%. The day-to-day feel seems to be one of strong classroom relationships between teachers and families, though absenteeism suggests some families face real barriers to getting kids to school consistently.

The student body is 78% Hispanic and 16% Black, reflecting the neighborhood's demographics in Washington Heights, where the Hispanic population dominates and median household income is $55,786 with 22% poverty. Nearly 90% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch (economic need index 89.8%), and 28% have IEPs. At 433 students with an average class size of 21.9, the school is modestly sized — larger than some District 6 peers but smaller than the biggest charters. PTA fundraising is minimal at $21 per student versus the district average of $52, suggesting fewer extra resources from families.

Washington Heights is a high-density, transit-rich neighborhood where families predominantly take the A, C, or 1 train — the area scores 96.55 on transit accessibility. Safety scores are notably low (3.83 out of 100), reflecting concerns parents should factor in. The neighborhood has strong family density (85th percentile) but low homeownership (8%), meaning most families rent. There's a community feel with parks and local businesses along 155th Street, but the environmental health indicators show elevated asthma rates (155 per 100,000) and lead exposure risks (18% elevated rate).

Very walkable and transit-accessible — families from within the zone typically walk or take buses/subways. The school sits near major subway lines at 155th Street, making it reachable from much of the neighborhood without a car.