P.S. 146 Edward Collins

P.S. 146 has posted some of the strongest academic gains in the Bronx over the past three years. Math proficiency sits at 53.1%, outpacing the District 8 average of 48%, while ELA at 44.2% trails the district average of 46% by a narrow margin. The overall quality score of 1.95/4 slightly exceeds the district average of 1.88. Looking at grade-level performance, fourth graders are performing strongest with 51% ELA and 56% math proficiency, while fifth grade lags somewhat at 39% ELA. The historical trend is the real story here — in 2022 only 15% of students were proficient in ELA and 19% in math; those numbers have nearly tripled, suggesting either curriculum changes, instructional shifts, or post-pandemic recovery efforts are working.

The climate data reveals a school where relationships are genuinely strong but chronic absenteeism is a serious concern. Parents report near-universal satisfaction: 94% overall, with 95% trust in both teachers and the principal, and a remarkable 100% reporting strong relationships. Teachers echo this sentiment with 92% reporting high instruction quality and 80% collegial trust, though teacher-principal trust sits at a more moderate 82% and safety perceptions at 85% fall slightly below the district average. The school has maintained zero suspensions for three consecutive years — a notable achievement. However, chronic absenteeism at 62.5% is alarmingly high, with female students (67.3%) and Black students (63.8%) disproportionately affected. Attendance overall at 90.5% barely nudges above the district average.

With 344 students, P.S. 146 is a small-to-medium elementary school reflecting the demographics of Morrisania: 63% Hispanic, 29% Black, 6% White, and tiny Asian and Native American populations. The diversity index of 52% is moderate. A striking 92% of students qualify for economic need — among the highest in the district — and 20% have IEPs. Only $3 per student was raised through PTA fundraising compared to a district average of $17, indicating fewer family resources for supplemental programs. The neighborhood around the school is predominantly rental housing (91% non-owneroccupied), with just 15% of adults holding a bachelor's degree.

Morrisania is a densely populated, family-heavy Bronx neighborhood with significant challenges. The safety score of just 3.07 (on a 0-100 scale) is among the lowest in the city, while the family density score of 88.12 is extremely high — this is very much a neighborhood where families with children live. Transit access is solid at 72.41, making commutes manageable. However, education orientation is low at 26.82, suggesting fewer enrichment resources and educational support networks than in more affluent areas. Median household income of $33,049 and a 34.7% poverty rate confirm the economic hardship many families here face. The area scores poorly on environmental health indicators, with elevated lead rates and high asthma emergency department visits.

Morrisania is a highly walkable urban neighborhood — most zoned families will walk to school, and the area is served by multiple bus routes and proximity to the 2/5 subway lines for those commuting from further away.