P.S. 063 Author's Academy

This school's 50.3% ELA proficiency sits above the district average of 44.8%, while math at 43.8% is essentially on par with the district. But the real story is the trajectory: after dropping to 24.5% ELA and 22.5% math in 2022 (likely pandemic impact), scores have climbed dramatically — ELA more than doubled to 50.3%, and math nearly doubled to 46.1%. Grade-level data shows Grade 3 performing strongest in math (65.6%) while Grade 5 math dips to 23.2%, suggesting some grade-level challenges that may warrant attention.

The culture here is a study in contrasts. Families absolutely love it — 98% satisfaction, 99% trust in teachers and principal, and 100% report strong relationships. Teachers are somewhat more cautious: 83% rate instruction quality (below the 90% district average), 79% trust the principal, and 73% feel safe at school (versus 83% district average for teachers). Attendance is a real challenge — the 89.6% rate is slightly below district average, but the 60.1% chronic absenteeism rate is notably high. On the positive side, there have been zero suspensions for three consecutive years, which reflects either strong behavior management or perhaps a different approach to discipline.

With 467 students, this is a mid-sized elementary school. The student body is 63% Hispanic and 32% Black, with very high economic need (93.7% — meaning nearly all students qualify for free or reduced lunch). Twenty-four percent have IEPs. The diversity index is 48%, reflecting a school that's not homogeneous but shares a common neighborhood context. PTA fundraising is minimal at $2 per student, which is well below the $4.43 district average and suggests limited extra fundraising capacity rather than disinterest.

Morrisania is a high-density, family-heavy neighborhood with significant challenges. Only 11.5% of households have children (though this may undercount multi-generational households), and just 8.9% of residents own homes — most rent. Education levels are low (only 14.9% have a bachelor's degree), and median income is $33,049. The safety score is very low (3.07 percentile), and environmental health concerns include elevated lead rates (15.1%) and high asthma-related emergency visits. Transit access is decent (72 percentile), and the area has moderate stability. Families should know the neighborhood has real assets — parks, community organizations — alongside real challenges.

Most students walk or take public transit; it's a zoned school so families live nearby