P.S./M.S. 004 Crotona Park West

The test score trajectory here is almost unheard of in traditional public schools — from 24-25% proficiency in 2016 to 95%+ in 2025. That's not a typo. The 2025 scores (ELA 95.8%, Math 93.2%, Science 100%) absolutely dwarf the District 9 averages of 44.8% in both subjects. Grade-level breakdown shows strong performance across all grades, with grades 3-6 hitting near-100% in both subjects, and grades 7-8 still performing solidly in the high 80s-90s. The overall score of 3.78 out of 4 puts this school in a different league from the district average of 1.79.

The survey data is as impressive as the test scores — 97% parent satisfaction, 99% trust between parents and teachers, and 100% of teachers reporting high instruction quality and strong relationships. Teacher-reported safety sits at 97%, well above the district average of 83%. However, there's a tension: chronic absenteeism is high at 58%, affecting both Black (62%) and Hispanic (55%) students similarly. The attendance rate of 89.9% is slightly below the district average. With only 3 suspensions last year (a 1% rate), the discipline approach appears restorative rather than punitive — a contrast to the low test scores that characterized this school just a few years ago.

The student body is nearly all students of color: 48% Black, 49% Hispanic, with minimal Asian (0%) and White (1%) enrollment. This reflects the neighborhood demographics of Claremont Village, which is predominantly working-class and Black/Hispanic. Twenty-eight percent of students have IEPs — notably higher than many schools, suggesting the school serves a meaningful special education population. With only 324 students across pre-K through 8th grade, this is a small school where teachers and families likely know each other by name.

Claremont Village is a densely populated Bronx neighborhood with significant challenges. The poverty rate of 44.1% and median household income of just $30,475 tell a story of economic struggle. Only 2.7% of residents own homes, and just 11.4% have a bachelor's degree or higher. Transit access is strong (75th percentile), which helps families get around. Safety scores are low (11th percentile), reflecting the realities of a neighborhood with high crime density. However, family density ranks in the 58th percentile, meaning there are plenty of families with children nearby. The school sits within walking distance of Crotona Park, giving students access to green space.

The area is walkable with decent transit options — the neighborhood has above-average transit scores, making it feasible for families without cars. However, the low safety percentile suggests parents may prefer to walk with younger children rather than letting them walk alone.