P.S. 154 Jonathan D. Hyatt

The academic trajectory here is striking — ELA proficiency has climbed from 26.5% in 2016 to 67.9% in 2025, while math surged from 24.9% to 67.1% over the same period. Both metrics now sit well above the district averages of 51.3% and 49%, respectively, and the overall score of 2.7 outpaces the district's 2.0 average. The post-pandemic recovery has been particularly impressive: math jumped from 18.3% in 2022 to 68.3% in 2024 before stabilizing at 67.1%, while ELA climbed from 36.4% to 67.9%. Performance is consistent across grades 3-5, with math hitting 72.4% in third grade and reading reaching 69.5% in fifth grade.

The culture here reveals an interesting tension worth understanding. Parent satisfaction is exceptional at 95% with near-universal trust in teachers (97%) and the principal (96%), and every single family surveyed reported strong relationships with the school — that's 100%, a remarkable figure. Teacher instruction quality scores 92%, well above the district average. However, chronic absenteeism sits at a concerning 75.9%, significantly above typical rates. This suggests families value the school deeply (hence the satisfaction scores) but face real barriers to consistent attendance — common in high-poverty neighborhoods where health issues, housing instability, and work challenges interfere. On the positive side, there have been zero suspensions for three consecutive years, indicating a restorative approach to discipline.

The school serves 265 students in a demographically homogeneous neighborhood: 55% Hispanic and 43% Black students, with just 2% white and essentially no Asian students. This mirrors the neighborhood's composition. Twenty-two percent of students have IEPs, slightly above typical rates. The diversity index of 46% reflects the primarily Black and Hispanic student body. Class sizes average 20.5 students, nearly identical to the district average.

Mott Haven-Port Morris is one of the city's highest-need neighborhoods: 40.1% poverty rate, only 12.2% of residents have a bachelor's degree, and median household income is just $29,110. Only 6.1% of residents own homes. The area scores very low on family density (23.75 percentile) and education orientation (5.36 percentile), meaning this isn't a neighborhood where families with children are the norm or where education is a dominant community focus. Safety concerns are significant (16.86 percentile), and environmental health indicators show elevated lead rates (12.1%) and asthma-related emergency department visits (75.5 per 1,000). Transit access is moderate (48.28 percentile). This is a community where families are navigating real constraints, making the school's success and family satisfaction numbers even more notable.

The neighborhood is navigable on foot, though families should consider transit options given the moderate transit score. Many students likely walk or take short bus rides.