P.S. 047 John Randolph

Test scores at P.S. 047 lag behind the District 12 average — 32.8% ELA proficiency versus 44.6% district-wide, and 32.9% math versus 43.3%. However, the school has climbed from 19.1% ELA in 2016 to 32.8% in 2025, a 13.7-point gain over nine years, with math jumping from 15.9% to 32.9% over the same period. The 2024-2025 scores show a slight dip in ELA (from 28% to 23.8%) but a jump in math (from 29.6% to 34.5%). Grade-level data shows Grade 3 outperforming older grades in both subjects — 42.5% ELA and 53.3% math — suggesting early intervention is working, while Grade 4 and 5 students have more ground to cover.

This is where P.S. 047 stands out. Parent satisfaction sits at 88%, with parent-principal trust at a remarkable 96% and parent-teacher trust at 93%. Teachers report 92% instruction quality and 88% safety — both above district averages. There have been zero suspensions for three straight years, a rare achievement in any district. The trade-off is attendance: 90.8% is roughly flat with the district, but chronic absenteeism is high at 65%, affecting all demographic groups. The school sends out 532 family surveys — a strong response rate — indicating real family engagement.

With 846 students in grades K-5 plus special education, P.S. 047 reflects its neighborhood: 63% Hispanic, 19% Black, 13% Asian, 2% White, and 3% Native American. The diversity index of 60% is moderate. Economic need is very high at 89.6% — nearly nine in ten students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Seventeen percent have IEPs. The community is family-dense (71st percentile for families with children), and the school draws strong engagement — 532 family survey responses is substantial for a school this size.

Soundview-Bruckner-Bronx River is a working-class neighborhood in the South Bronx with a strong family presence but significant challenges. Safety scores in the 15th percentile are concerning for parents. Median household income is $41,359, and only 15% of adults have a bachelor's degree. Transit access is moderate (48th percentile), and homeownership is low at 13.4% — most families rent. The area has seen development in recent years, with median home values around $572,000, but poverty remains at 31.6%. Families should know the neighborhood has family-oriented resources but also higher crime density than many other parts of the city.

The area is walkable for local families, with moderate transit options. Families coming from outside the zone should consider the commute time and whether they'll rely on buses or subways, as transit access is decent but not as robust as Manhattan or North Bronx.