P.S. 073 Bronx

Test scores at P.S. 073 remain below the District 9 average — 27.7% in ELA versus 44.8% district-wide, and 37.1% in Math versus 44.7% district-wide. However, the school has shown a striking improvement trajectory: math proficiency rose from just 8.3% in 2016 to 37.1% in 2025, and ELA climbed from 11.7% to 27.7% over the same period. The most recent year (2024-2025) shows the strongest gains, particularly in fifth grade math (50% proficiency) and fifth grade ELA (34.6%). The overall quality rating of 1.3/4 reflects that the school is still catching up to district norms, but the trend line is heading in the right direction.

The survey data tells a compelling story: families and teachers report extremely high trust and satisfaction, even while academic outcomes lag. Parent satisfaction sits at 92%, parent-teacher trust at 97%, and parent-principal trust at 95%. Every single parent surveyed reported 'strong relationships' at the school. Teachers are equally positive: 100% rated instruction quality as strong, and 97% feel safe at work. The school has zero suspensions — a three-year streak. However, chronic absenteeism is a significant concern at 50%, well above the district average, which may be dragging down academic progress. The family survey response rate of 24% and teacher responses of 20 suggest these strong numbers come from a subset of engaged families, so experiences may vary.

The student body is 74% Hispanic and 26% Black, with virtually no Asian or white students — reflecting the neighborhood demographics. Nearly one in five students (19%) has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), indicating significant special education support needs. With an economic need index of 91.5%, this is a school serving families facing substantial financial hardship. The neighborhood has very low rates of college-educated adults (16.3% with BA or higher) and high poverty (31.9%), suggesting many families are first-generation American or coming from backgrounds where higher education wasn't the norm.

Highbridge is one of the poorer neighborhoods in the Bronx, with a median household income around $40,000 and only 4.5% homeownership — most families rent. The neighborhood scores very low on safety (3.45 out of 100) and education orientation (24.9), though transit access is decent (62.07). Environmental health concerns exist: elevated lead rates (15.2%) and high asthma-related emergency visits (75.5 per 1,000). There are local parks and community resources, but families should be aware of the higher crime density in the area.

Many families walk to this zoned school, though the neighborhood's low safety score suggests some parents may prefer to walk younger children rather than let them commute alone. Transit access is moderate via nearby bus routes.