P.S. 138 Samuel Randall

Both ELA and math proficiency sit below the District 8 average (40% ELA vs. 46% district; 41% math vs. 48% district), but the trajectory is the more interesting story. From 2016 through 2022, scores bounced around in the high 20s and low 30s; in 2024 and especially 2025, they jumped meaningfully — math climbed from 33% to 41% in a single year. By grade, fourth-graders are the strongest cohort (45% ELA, 55% math), while fifth-grade math slips back to 33%, suggesting the gains haven't fully carried through the upper grade. The overall quality rating of 1.64/4 remains below the district's 1.88, but momentum points the right way.

The day-to-day feel here is notably warm. Parent-principal trust sits at 98% and parent-teacher trust at 97%, well above what you usually see — and 100% of surveyed staff say relationships across the school are strong. Teachers rate their own instruction quality at 90% (above the district's 88%) and feel safe at a remarkable 97%, far above the district's 89%. The catch is attendance: 87.7% is just below the district average, and nearly half of students are chronically absent. Discipline, though, is essentially a non-issue — zero suspensions for three straight years.

P.S. 138 reflects its neighborhood: 70% Hispanic and 22% Black, with smaller Asian, White, and multi-racial groups rounding out a moderately diverse student body (diversity index 49%). About a fifth of students have IEPs and the economic need index of 86 signals a community where most families are working-class. Parent survey response was strong at 52%, much higher than typical, suggesting families here are engaged even if PTA fundraising is modest at just $3 per student.

Castle Hill-Unionport is a working-class, family-rooted part of the Bronx where median household income hovers around $54,000 and about 14% of households have children — fewer than the city average, but families who are here tend to stay. Roughly a quarter of residents live below the poverty line, and only about 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree. Homeownership is low at 34%, with a median home value near $591,000, reflecting mostly renter households. It's a neighborhood defined by multigenerational households and long-standing ties rather than transients.

There's no quick subway hop to P.S. 138 — families walk about 17 minutes to the Castle Hill Av station (6 train) or 18 minutes to Parkchester (6 train). Most likely families in the zone drive, take the bus, or walk from nearby blocks.