P.S. 089 Bronx

Test scores place this school slightly below the district average — ELA at 53.3% versus 56.7% district-wide, math at 51.6% versus 55.6%. But the trend line tells a more hopeful story: in 2016, this school was at 26.9% ELA and 25.2% math. That's a near-doubling over nine years, with particularly strong gains in the most recent two years. Grade-level data shows Grade 8 students hitting 70.7% in ELA — well above district averages — while younger grades are still building. The school offers accelerated and honors tracks, suggesting it's working to challenge higher-performing students, though overall scores remain a few points behind district peers.

The survey data here is striking. Parents report 96% trust in teachers and the principal, 97% say their children have strong relationships at school, and 91% are satisfied overall. Teachers give 94% on instruction quality and 89% on trust in leadership. The discipline picture is clean — zero suspensions for the past two years, down from a handful in prior years. The catch is attendance: chronic absenteeism sits at 58.5%, well above district average, and has actually been climbing. This creates a tension — families feel connected and kids are staying out of trouble, but too many students are missing significant school days.

With 1,275 students in grades K-8, this is a mid-sized elementary/middle school. The demographics reflect the neighborhood: 56% Hispanic, 17% Black, 13% White, and 12% Asian, with a diversity index of 70%. The economic need index of 84 means this is a high-poverty school — nearly all students qualify for free lunch. About 17% have IEPs. The community is clearly engaged, as shown by the 888 family survey responses (one of the highest rates in the data) and a 78% response rate — families are participating, even if PTA fundraising is minimal at $3 per student.

Allerton is a densely populated, family-heavy Bronx neighborhood (72.8 family density score) with high stability (83.91) but significant challenges. The poverty rate sits at 24.7%, median household income is $46,623, and homeownership is just 15.9% — this is primarily a renting, working-class community. Transit access is moderate (55.94), and the safety score of 11.88 is low. Environmental health indicators show concerns — elevated lead rates and high asthma emergency department visit rates. There are parks and green spaces, and the neighborhood has a settled feel, but parents should know they're sending kids into an area with meaningful safety and environmental considerations.

Allerton is a walkable, residential neighborhood where most families arrive on foot. The area has moderate transit access, making it feasible for families without cars. However, the low safety score and traffic/collision rates suggest parents should be mindful of routes and walking conditions.