P.S. 246 Poe Center

Test scores at P.S. 246 have climbed steadily — ELA went from 11% in 2016 to 40% in 2025, and math from 18% to 39% — a remarkable trajectory that places the school among the fastest-improving in the Bronx. However, current proficiency still sits below the district averages of 45% ELA and 44% math. Grade 3 performs strongest (54% ELA), while Grade 5 lags (29% ELA), suggesting that gains made in earlier years haven't yet translated to upper-grade mastery. The overall quality score of 1.57 out of 4 reflects this — below the district average of 1.77 but trending upward.

Parent satisfaction is exceptional — 97% of families report being satisfied, with near-unanimous trust in both teachers (99%) and the principal (99%). Teachers rate instruction quality at 90%, comparable to the district. However, there's a notable trust gap: teacher-principal trust sits at 71%, and only 52% of teachers report feeling safe — dramatically lower than the district average of 87%. Chronic absenteeism is a concern at 52.5%, well above the district rate. Discipline is minimal (two suspensions last year, 0% rate), creating a mostly exclusion-free environment.

P.S. 246 is a predominantly Hispanic school (83%) with smaller Black (9%), White (4%), and Asian (3%) populations. This mirrors the neighborhood's demographics in the Fordham area, which has a 92.8% economic need index — meaning nearly all students qualify for free or reduced lunch. One-quarter of students have IEPs, and the diversity index of 35% reflects the relatively homogeneous makeup. Families here are working-class and largely renters (only 8.6% homeownership in the surrounding area).

The University Heights-Fordham neighborhood is densely family-oriented (88th percentile for family density) with strong transit access (77th percentile), making it commutable despite low car ownership. However, safety scores are low (6.9 out of 100), and environmental health concerns are notable — lead exposure rates and asthma-related emergency visits run high. The area has low education attainment (only 14% of residents have bachelor's degrees), reflecting the working-class character. Median household income is $42,688, well below city averages.

The Grand Concourse location is well-served by bus routes and the nearby Metro-North Fordham station, making it accessible without a car. Families in the zoned catchment walk to school, though the area's safety concerns mean many parents accompany younger children.