P.S. 9 Ryer Avenue Elementary School

Test scores at P.S. 9 have followed an uneven but recently positive trajectory. The school earns a 1.94 overall quality rating, above the District 10 average of 1.77. In 2025, 52.3% of students scored proficient in ELA versus the district average of 45%, and math proficiency hit 44.6% against 43.5% district-wide — both meaningful margins. However, looking closer reveals instability: scores dropped sharply in 2022 after pandemic disruption (21.4% ELA), rebounded in 2023 (30.5%), dipped again in 2024 (20% ELA), then jumped dramatically to current levels. Grade-level data shows Grade 4 performing strongest (60.7% ELA, 54.7% math) while Grade 5 lags significantly (41.1% ELA, 30.5% math), suggesting transition or upper-grade challenges that warrant attention.

The climate picture here is complicated but leans positive on the family side. Parents are overwhelmingly satisfied (98%) and trust teachers deeply (99%), with every family surveyed saying the school builds strong relationships. Teacher instruction quality scores 97% — well above the 91% district average. However, there are fault lines: teacher-principal trust sits at 71%, teacher-reported safety at 80% (below the 87% district average), and teacher collegial trust at 76%. Attendance is a concern — the 90.7% rate matches the district average, but chronic absenteeism is a staggering 62%, hitting both boys and girls and Black and Hispanic students nearly equally. On the positive side, the school has maintained a 0% suspension rate for three of the past four years, suggesting a restorative or supportive approach to discipline.

This is a predominantly Hispanic school in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood — 82% of students identify as Hispanic, matching the community's character. Black students make up 14%, with minimal Asian (2%) and white (1%) enrollment. Nearly a quarter of students (22%) have IEPs, and an overwhelming 94.6% qualify for free lunch — reflecting the economic reality of Fordham Heights. The diversity index sits at 34%, low because the community is fairly homogeneous. PTA fundraising is notably low at $8 per student ($5,507 total), compared to a district average of $74 per student, suggesting fewer families have discretionary income for school contributions.

Fordham Heights is a high-need, high-density residential area in the Bronx. Median household income is just $40,304, and only 11.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or higher. Virtually no one owns homes here (1.1% homeownership), meaning most families rent. The neighborhood scores 0 out of 100 for safety — a serious concern for families — though transit access is excellent (85th percentile) and family density is very high (94th percentile). There are few parks or open spaces (health environment score of 42), and the education orientation is extremely low at 8.43. Environmental health indicators show elevated lead rates (17.5%) and high asthma-related emergency visits (75.5 per 1,000).

Families typically walk or take public transit — the area is densely populated with good bus service, though the 0/100 safety score means parents often accompany older children. Street parking is limited.