P.S. 030 Hernandez/Hughes

The school has made extraordinary progress in ELA, reaching 57.4% proficiency in 2025 — above the district average of 53.9%. Math proficiency sits at 37.9%, which trails the district average of 50.7%, though this still represents growth from single digits in 2016. The upper grades perform notably well: 5th graders hit 68.8% ELA and 47.1% math, suggesting strong instruction in the upper elementary years. However, the overall score of 1.91 out of 4 places it slightly below the district average of 2.09, reflecting the math gap.

The school reports exceptional trust scores: 97% of families say students have strong relationships with adults, 93% trust teachers, and 92% trust the principal. Teachers show similarly high confidence in leadership (95%) and each other (92%). Instruction quality scores 86%, slightly below the district average of 88%. A notable concern: only 80% of teachers report feeling safe, compared to 89% district-wide. There have been zero suspensions for three consecutive years, indicating a restorative or relationship-based approach to discipline.

The student body is 53% Hispanic and 41% Black, mirroring the East Harlem neighborhood's demographics. With 30% of students having IEPs and 91.2% economic need index, this is a high-needs population. Class sizes average 18.7, slightly smaller than the district average of 18.8. The diversity index of 52% reflects a relatively homogeneous community within the school itself.

East Harlem is a densely populated, transit-rich neighborhood with a family density score of 93.49 — one of the highest in the city. However, it scores poorly on safety (9.58 out of 100) and health environment (11.49), with elevated asthma rates and lead exposure concerns. The median household income is $36,709, and only 8% of residents own homes, indicating a predominantly renting population. There are green spaces and community resources, though the area faces persistent environmental and economic challenges.

The neighborhood is highly walkable with excellent transit access (82.76 score). Families from the zoned area can walk to school, and subway and bus connections make it accessible from other parts of Manhattan and the Bronx.