P.S. 095 Sheila Mencher

Test scores at P.S. 095 fall below the District 10 average—ELA proficiency of 40.5% versus the district's 45%, and math at 38.6% versus 43.5%—placing the school in the lower third of the district. However, the long-term trend is encouraging: both subjects have roughly doubled since 2016, with math showing particularly strong gains in recent years. Performance varies significantly by grade—4th graders excel with 67% math proficiency, while 5th and 6th graders lag. The school lacks robust academic programming beyond basic ELL support, with a program richness score of just 34.7 out of 100.

The culture picture is mixed but leans positive on the family side and concerning on the teacher side. Parents overwhelmingly report feeling heard and trusted—99% satisfaction and 97% principal trust are exceptional. Teachers rate instruction quality highly at 92%. However, only 55% of teachers trust the principal, and just 65% report feeling safe—well below the district average of 87%. Attendance is a real struggle: while 89.3% shows up on average, a striking 56.9% of students are chronically absent, meaning they miss 10% or more of school days. On a positive note, the school has eliminated suspensions entirely over the past two years after four incidents each in the prior two years—a meaningful improvement in discipline climate.

With 962 students in grades K-8, P.S. 095 serves a predominantly Hispanic community (72% of students), reflecting the neighborhood's demographics. About 16% are Black, 6% Asian, and 5% White. The economic need index of 88 is high—nearly 9 in 10 students qualify for free or reduced lunch—indicating significant family financial hardship. About 22% of students have IEPs, and the school provides ELL support for English language learners. The diversity index of 52% is moderate. PTA fundraising is minimal at $4 per student (compared to $74 district-wide), suggesting limited volunteer or fundraising capacity.

Kingsbridge Heights-Van Cortlandt Village is a dense, transit-rich neighborhood in the Bronx with strong family presence—the family density score of 86.59 is very high, and stability score of 83.52 indicates long-term residents. Median household income is $55,462 with a 21.2% poverty rate. Transit access is excellent at nearly 82, making car-free commuting feasible. However, the neighborhood scores just 7.66 on safety (very low), and education orientation is only 36. Homeownership is low at 18%, meaning most families rent. The area has parks and recreational resources typical of this part of the Bronx.

The neighborhood is highly walkable with strong transit options—many families likely walk or take buses and trains. The excellent transit score (82) suggests car-free commuting is realistic for most.