P.S. 086 Kingsbridge Heights

Test scores at P.S. 086 have improved notably, with math now at 52.7% — above the district average of 43.5% — and ELA at 45.9%, essentially matching the district. The school has climbed from a low point in 2022 (33.4% ELA, 25.6% math) to its highest scores in the data set. Third through fifth graders show steady progression, with fifth graders performing strongest at 52.9% ELA and 59.6% math. The overall score of 1.97/4 sits above the district average of 1.77, placing it in the upper half of District 10 elementary schools.

The survey data tells a striking story: 96% of parents report satisfaction, 98% trust teachers, and an almost-perfect 99% trust the principal. Teachers echo that confidence — 92% trust the principal and 91% trust their colleagues. Instruction quality scores 96%, and 95% of teachers report feeling safe. There are zero suspensions across three consecutive years, suggesting a restorative or supportive approach to discipline. The big shadow here is chronic absenteeism: at 63.4%, it's far above typical rates. Girls miss more school than boys (65.5% vs 61.5%), and white students have the highest chronic absenteeism rate (75%). Day-to-day, the building clearly functions with strong relationships, though getting students through the door consistently remains a challenge.

With 1,347 students, P.S. 086 is a large elementary school. The student body is predominantly Hispanic (86%), with 8% Black, 3% Asian, and 2% white students. The diversity index is low at 32%, reflecting the neighborhood's demographic makeup. Nearly a quarter of students (23%) have IEPs, and the economic need index sits at 93.4% — among the highest in the district. This is a school serving families facing significant financial challenges, yet they're showing up for school events and responding to surveys at meaningful rates.

Bedford Park is a working-class Bronx neighborhood with strong transit access (75.1 percentile) and family density (80.5 percentile), but it's marked by economic hardship. Only 7% of residents own homes, the median income is $44,438, and a quarter of residents live below the poverty line. The area scores poorly on safety (9.2 percentile) and education orientation (32.95 percentile). There are environmental health concerns: elevated lead rates and high asthma-related ER visits. For families, the tradeoffs are transit convenience versus safety and resource availability.

The neighborhood is dense and transit-connected, though the low safety score means families may prefer walking younger children to school rather than having them commute alone.