P.S. 291

P.S. 291's proficiency rates now sit comfortably above District 10 averages—50.3% in ELA versus the district's 45%, and 55.5% in math versus 43.5%. The growth story is the real headline: ELA proficiency has climbed from 33.6% in 2016 to 50.3% in 2025, and math has jumped from 37.5% to 55.5% over the same period, with a notable dip in 2022 (likely pandemic-era) followed by a strong rebound. By grade, fifth graders lead the way in ELA at 56%, while third and fifth graders are evenly matched in math around 56–60%. The overall score of 2.12 out of 4 puts the school meaningfully above the district's 1.77 average.

This is a school where relationships clearly work: parent satisfaction is 99%, parent-teacher trust is at 100%, and the family survey response rate of 91% shows families are actively engaged. Teachers rate instructional quality and collegial trust at 100%, and teacher-reported safety sits at 89%, above the district's 87%. The discipline picture is unusually clean—zero suspensions over the past three years. The one climate flag is chronic absenteeism at 61.2%, well above typical levels, even though average daily attendance (89.9%) is only a hair below the district average. Parents clearly feel connected to the school even when getting kids in the door every day is a struggle.

The student body is 91% Hispanic, 7% Black, with small Asian and White populations, giving a diversity index of just 21%—this is a relatively homogeneous school. Twenty-two percent of students have IEPs, and the economic need index of 91.7% reflects a community where most families qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The neighborhood census paints a similar picture: median household income around $42,686, a 25.7% poverty rate, and only 8.6% homeownership, meaning most local families are renters. The school serves essentially the same community that surrounds it.

P.S. 291 sits in the University Heights–Fordham area of the Bronx, a working-class, renter-heavy neighborhood where about one in four residents lives below the poverty line and only 13.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree. Just under 16% of households include children, and homeownership is rare at under 9%, though the median home value of $481,600 reflects broader borough price pressures.

The school is served by the 4 train at three nearby stops: 183 St (about a 7-minute walk), Burnside Av (about 9 minutes), and Fordham Rd (about 11 minutes)