P.S. 103 Hector Fontanez

Test scores here have climbed dramatically — from the mid-20s to low-30s in 2016-2019 to 61.5% ELA and 65.5% math in 2025, both above the district averages of 56.7% and 55.6%. The recovery from the COVID dip in 2022 (26% ELA, 19% math) has been especially steep. Grade 3 is a bright spot, with 82.5% ELA and 84.7% math proficiency — among the strongest in the area. However, Grades 4 and 5 lag behind at roughly 51-58% proficiency, suggesting the school may need to sustain rigor as students move up. The overall score of 2.54/4 also tops the district average of 2.25.

The survey numbers here are remarkable. Parents give 91% satisfaction, and nearly all — 97% — trust their children's teachers. Teacher-principal trust hits 93%, and 94% rate instruction quality as strong. Teachers report feeling safe (92%) and collegial (89%). There have been zero suspensions for three years running — a rare record. The catch: attendance lags at 89% versus the district's 91.2%, and chronic absenteeism is high at 56.6%, affecting boys and girls equally. This suggests the school is doing strong internal work, but some families face barriers to getting kids to school consistently.

With 751 students, P.S. 103 is a medium-sized zoned elementary. The student body is predominantly Hispanic (52%) and Black (39%), with very small Asian (2%), White (3%), and Native American (2%) populations. The diversity index sits at 57%, reflecting a relatively homogeneous community. Nearly a quarter of students have IEPs, and the economic need index is high at 88.3% — most families here qualify for free or reduced lunch. This is a working-class community where the school serves as a critical neighborhood institution.

Wakefield-Woodlawn is a stable, residential Bronx neighborhood with a high stability score (91.6%) and a homeownership rate of 43.7%. Median household income is $73,320, though 17.7% of residents live in poverty. The area scores lower on safety (32.2 percentile) and education orientation (42.5 percentile), which may reflect broader neighborhood challenges. Transit access is moderate (44.1 percentile), and family density is decent (60.2 percentile). Families should know the neighborhood has seen elevated asthma rates (75.5 per 1,000) and some lead exposure concerns (15.2% elevated rate), which are common in older Bronx housing stock.

This is a walkable, residential neighborhood where most zoned families walk or take short bus rides. The area is auto-friendly but parking can be tight during drop-off and pickup times.