P.S. 044 David C. Farragut

The 2025 test scores show P.S. 044 in a different league than its district peers — 74.6% ELA proficiency versus the District 12 average of 44.6%, and 69.2% math versus 43.3% districtwide. This represents a remarkable jump from just 34.6% ELA in 2024, though the magnitude of that increase warrants noting that some of this may reflect cohort differences or testing conditions. Grade-level data shows particularly strong third-grade performance (81% ELA), with solid results across grades 3-5. The overall 2.88/4 score is well above the district average of 1.76, indicating this school has pulled significantly ahead of its district peers in academic outcomes.

The survey data reveals a nuanced picture. Families are highly satisfied — 92% overall, with 94% parent-teacher trust and 95% principal trust — suggesting the day-to-day relationships between families and staff are strong. Teachers report 81% safety perception, slightly below the district average, and notably, teacher-principal trust sits at 64%, lower than the family trust numbers. Teacher instruction quality ratings (76%) also trail the district average (88%). This could indicate some disconnect between how families experience the school and how teachers experience leadership. The attendance picture is concerning though — 89.5% attendance is slightly below district average, and a staggering 47.8% chronic absenteeism rate (52.5% for Hispanic students) suggests many families struggle to get kids to school consistently. On the positive side, zero suspensions for three years running is a real strength.

With 227 students in a district of mostly charter schools, P.S. 044 is a small zoned school serving a predominantly Hispanic (64%) and Black (35%) community. Every single demographic group shows 47-52% chronic absenteeism, indicating the attendance challenge is systemic rather than group-specific. The diversity index of 38% reflects a relatively homogeneous student body, and 12% of students have IEPs — a bit below what you might expect in a high-need district. PTA fundraising is minimal at $5 per student (total $1,165), far below the district average of $53 per student, suggesting limited extra fundraising capacity in this economically strained neighborhood.

Tremont is a densely populated, high-poverty Bronx neighborhood with significant challenges. Median household income is just $32,208, and only 7.5% of residents own homes — most are renters. The poverty rate sits at 36.2%, and only 15% of residents have a bachelor's degree. Transit access is decent (60th percentile), but safety scores are very low (5th percentile), reflecting real concerns families have about the area. Only 13% of households have children, which is unusual for a family-focused school zone. The neighborhood has elevated asthma rates and environmental lead concerns that parents should be aware of. There's a notable gap between the family-dense school and the broader neighborhood demographics.

Tremont is a walkable urban neighborhood with good transit access, though families should consider the low safety scores when planning routes and supervision. Many students likely walk to this zoned school, but parents may prefer to accompany younger children given the area's safety profile.