P.S. 277

P.S. 277 has posted some of the strongest academic gains in the Bronx. ELA proficiency at 66% and math at 61.8% both exceed the District 7 averages (51.3% and 49%, respectively), and the overall score of 2.56/4 is notably above the district average of 2.01. The trajectory is remarkable — from 2019 when only 28% of students passed ELA and 30% math, the school has added 38 and 32 percentage points respectively. Grade 5 students are performing at an outstanding level (88.5% ELA, 83.3% math), suggesting strong instruction in the upper grades.

The survey data reveals a school where trust runs deep — 97% of families report strong relationships with the school, and parent-principal trust hits 97%. Teachers report strong collegial trust (90%) and confidence in leadership (86%). However, teacher-reported safety at 70% falls below the district average of 80.5%, which is worth noting. The discipline record is exemplary: zero suspensions for three consecutive years. The attendance picture is more complicated — while the overall attendance rate (90.6%) nearly matches the district average, chronic absenteeism is alarmingly high at 65.3%, affecting roughly two-thirds of students, with Hispanic students at 66.3% and males at 68.2%.

With 69% Hispanic and 26% Black students, the school's demographics closely mirror the Mott Haven-Port Morris neighborhood, which has a poverty rate over 40% and median household income of just $29,110. The economic need index of 93 reflects deep student need. At 17%, the IEP population is meaningful. The diversity index of 44% is moderate. Parent satisfaction at 91% is slightly below the district average of 93.5%, and family survey response rate was 35%, with 118 responses — decent engagement for a school this size.

Mott Haven-Port Morris is one of the highest-need neighborhoods in New York City. With only 12.2% of households having children, it's not a typical family-dense area. The safety score of 16.86 (17th percentile) reflects significant crime density concerns, and environmental health indicators show elevated asthma rates and lead exposure risks. Transit access is moderate (48th percentile). However, stability is relatively high (67th percentile), suggesting a community with deep roots despite economic challenges. Median home values are surprisingly high at $819,494, though homeownership is just 6.1%.

Families arrive on foot from the surrounding blocks — this is a neighborhood where most students walk to school, as transit options are moderate and car ownership is low.