P.S. 214

Test scores at P.S. 214 fall well below District 12 averages — 30.3% in ELA versus 44.6% district-wide, and 27.5% in Math versus 43.3% district-wide. The school earned an overall quality score of 1.16 out of 4, placing it near the bottom of district peer schools. However, there is a clear upward trend: ELA has grown from 19.2% in 2016 to 30.3% in 2025, and math jumped from a pandemic low of 14.5% in 2022 to 27.5% currently. Grade-level patterns show strength in upper elementary (Grade 5 math at 42.1%, Grade 4 math at 51.6%) but weakness in middle school, particularly Grade 6, where only 12.9% of students passed ELA and just 9% passed math.

The day-to-day culture at P.S. 214 tells a more complicated story than test scores suggest. Teachers report exceptionally high trust in leadership (96%) and among colleagues (93%), and 97% of families report strong relationships with the school — numbers that far exceed typical district averages. Parent satisfaction matches the district at 91%. However, only 79% of teachers report feeling safe, which is notably below the district average of 84.6%. Attendance is a real challenge: the overall rate of 88.2% falls below the district average, and more than half of students (52.2%) are chronically absent, with particularly high rates among Asian (57.9%) and Hispanic (54.2%) students. On the positive side, discipline is minimal — just 3 suspensions last year with a 0% suspension rate, among the lowest in the district.

P.S. 214 reflects its West Farms neighborhood almost exactly: 74% Hispanic, 21% Black, with very small Asian (2%) and white (1%) populations. The economic need index of 92.8% is among the highest in the district, meaning virtually all students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Twenty percent of students have IEPs, and the school provides ELL support for English language learners. At 934 students, the school is mid-sized for the area, with an average class size of 21.9 that matches the district average. The diversity index of 41% is relatively low, reflecting the neighborhood's homogeneous demographics.

West Farms is one of the highest-need neighborhoods in the Bronx, characterized by dense housing, low incomes, and limited educational attainment among adults. Median household income is just $27,829, and only 5.6% of residents own homes. The neighborhood scores poorly on safety (8th percentile) and education orientation (17th percentile), though transit access is strong (80th percentile) and family density is moderate. Air quality concerns exist — PM2.5 levels and asthma rates are elevated. Families in the area rely heavily on public transit, and there are fewer private enrichment options than in wealthier parts of the city.

Most families walk or take public transit — West Farms is densely populated with limited parking, and car ownership is low (only 5.6% homeownership). The school is accessible via multiple bus lines, though traffic and street safety are ongoing concerns in the neighborhood.