P.S. 126 Dr Marjorie H Dunbar

Test scores show a school on an uneven trajectory. Math proficiency reached 49.2% in 2024 before settling at 47.3% in 2025 — now matching the district average — while ELA at 38.2% remains below the district's 44.8%. The historical pattern is volatile, with a high point in 2018 followed by decline and recent recovery. Grade 4 performs strongest with 48.1% ELA and 54.4% math, while third graders struggle most with just 27% ELA proficiency. The school is improving math performance but still catching up in reading.

The cultural climate tells a more encouraging story than test scores suggest. Families are deeply invested — 98% satisfaction and an 83% survey response rate are exceptional — and 100% of families report strong relationships with the school. Teachers report 91% instruction quality and 84% feel safe, both matching or exceeding district averages. However, chronic absenteeism at 49% is a serious concern, and while teacher-principal trust sits at 81%, there's a gap between parent trust (97%) and parent-principal trust (80%). The discipline record is spotless with zero suspensions for three consecutive years.

The student body reflects the neighborhood: 73% Hispanic, 25% Black, with virtually no white or Asian enrollment. Every student faces economic hardship — the economic need index is 94 — yet the community shows up for this school in a way few others can claim. The diversity index of 38% is low, but the community's engagement with the school is extraordinarily high.

Highbridge is a densely populated, working-class Bronx neighborhood with limited resources. Only 4.5% of residents own homes, median income is just over $40,000, and only 16% have college degrees. The area scores poorly on education orientation (24.9 percentile), suggesting fewer enrichment options than neighboring areas. Transit access is decent (62 percentile), and family density is moderate (57 percentile), but safety concerns are notable. The neighborhood has a 31.9% poverty rate and elevated health environmental indicators, including asthma rates that may affect student attendance.

Families walk to this zoned school from the surrounding blocks, though some travel from across the neighborhood. The area is densely populated and transit-connected for those coming from farther afield.