P.S. 072 Dr. William Dorney

Test scores at P.S. 072 have more than doubled since 2016, climbing from 26% to 48% in ELA and from 22% to 51% in math — both exceeding the District 8 averages of 46% and 48% respectively. The school earned an overall quality score of 1.97 out of 4, slightly above the district average of 1.88. Grade 3 is the strongest performing cohort, with 65.9% math proficiency and 54.3% ELA — suggesting early elementary intervention is working. However, 2022 saw a sharp COVID-related dip (30% ELA, 27% math), and the school is still climbing back to its 2019 peak levels.

The survey data reveals a striking disconnect between family and teacher perspectives. Parents are overwhelmingly positive: 95% satisfied, 97% report strong relationships, and 98% feel safe. Teachers, however, paint a more complicated picture — only 78% trust the principal and 80% rate instruction quality, both below district averages. That said, 98% of teachers report feeling safe (well above the 89% district average), and 87% trust their colleagues. Attendance is the real strain: 88% show-up rate is slightly below district average, and a steep 55% of students are chronically absent — roughly 1 in 2 kids missing too much school. Suspensions are minimal (1%, only 3 students), showing a gentle discipline approach.

With 633 students, P.S. 072 is a medium-sized elementary serving a predominantly Hispanic (67%) and Black (20%) community. About 6% each are Asian and white, giving a diversity index of 54%. The economic need index of 77% is high — most families qualify for free or reduced lunch — yet the neighborhood surrounding the school is relatively stable: 48% homeownership, median income $85K, and only 15% poverty. A quarter of students (26%) have IEPs, slightly above typical rates. Fundraising reaches $66 per student, nearly four times the district average, indicating active parent engagement.

Throgs Neck-Schuylerville is a stable, residential corner of the Bronx where families with children make up about 18% of households — relatively family-dense. Nearly half of residents own their homes (48%), and the neighborhood scores high on stability (90th percentile) but modest on transit access (44th percentile) and family education orientation (53rd percentile). Safety scores are moderate (62nd percentile), with some environmental health concerns: elevated lead rates (17%) and asthma-related ER visits (76 per 1,000). The area offers single-family homes and small apartment buildings, with some local shops and restaurants.

Most families walk or drive — the neighborhood is residential and car-friendly, though public transit options are limited compared to denser parts of the Bronx. Parents often accompany younger children on foot.