P.S. 199X - The Shakespeare School

Test scores here have climbed dramatically — from just 18% ELA and 19% math in 2016 to nearly 48% in both subjects by 2025, now sitting above the district averages of 44.8% for ELA and 44.7% for math. That's real growth, though the path hasn't been smooth; there was a dip during the pandemic years and a wobble in 2024 before the recent recovery. The proficiency picture varies by grade: third graders are performing strongest at 60% math, fifth graders are solid at 56% ELA, but fourth graders lag at around 32% in both subjects — a dip worth watching if you have a rising fourth-grader.

The survey numbers here are extraordinary — 100% of teachers report strong relationships and trust in the principal, 98% say instruction quality is strong, and 98% feel safe at work. Parents are nearly as positive: 97% trust the principal, 95% trust teachers, and 93% are satisfied overall. But there's a tension underneath: chronic absenteeism sits at a troubling 68.4%, well above what's healthy. Even so, overall attendance (91.3%) slightly beats the district average, meaning most kids are showing up. The discipline record is spotless — zero suspensions for three straight years — which tells you something about how this school handles behavior. The day-to-day feel seems to be: high trust, warm relationships, but families struggling with attendance consistency.

This is a predominantly Hispanic (66%) and Black (26%) school serving 533 students in a neighborhood where the economic need index hits 93.7% — meaning nearly all students face significant poverty-related challenges. The student body reflects the neighborhood: working-class families, high rates of IEP students (22%), and a diversity index of 50%. Only 16.2% of adults in this neighborhood have a bachelor's degree, so many parents may be navigating the school system with limited prior experience. The school is small-ish with class sizes matching the district average at just under 21 students.

Mount Eden-Claremont is a transit-rich but safety-conscious neighborhood in the Bronx. Families will find excellent public transportation (83rd percentile) and very high family density (95th percentile), meaning lots of kids in the area. However, safety scores rank in just the 0.77 percentile — crime density and asthma rates are notably high, and lead exposure concerns exist. The area is predominantly rental (only 4.4% homeownership), with a median household income around $45,000 and 32% poverty rate. There are parks and community resources, but parents should factor neighborhood context into their daily routines.

The neighborhood has excellent transit access, making car-free commutes feasible for most families. However, parents should be aware of safety considerations when walking with children, particularly around certain blocks — the area is highly family-dense but also has elevated crime density compared to city averages