P.S./M.S. 031 The William Lloyd Garrison

Test scores here have more than doubled over nine years — math went from 8.9% in 2016 to 45.1% in 2025, and ELA climbed from 13.6% to 37.3% — yet both remain below the district averages of 51% and 49%. The pattern by grade is notable: third-graders are hitting 50% ELA and a striking 78.8% math, while middle school grades dip and then recover (eighth-grade ELA hits 44%). This suggests the school is building strong early foundations but may struggle to maintain momentum through the middle years, a common challenge in District 7 where the overall score is 1.65 compared to the district average of 2.0.

The survey data tells a story of a school where relationships work: 90% of parents are satisfied, 94% trust teachers, and 93% trust the principal. Teachers report 98% trust in leadership and 95% trust in each other — these numbers are exceptional. However, teacher-reported safety at 75% falls below the district average of 80.5%, and chronic absenteeism is a serious issue at 72.9% (though daily attendance at 92.4% is slightly above district average). With zero suspensions and no expulsions, the approach to discipline is clearly restorative rather than punitive. The gap between high trust and lower safety perception may reflect neighborhood conditions rather than school-specific issues.

With 66% Hispanic and 29% Black students, this school reflects the demographics of Concourse, a high-poverty neighborhood where 34% of households live below the poverty line and median income is just $40,255. The economic need index of 91.7% is among the highest in the city, and 25% of students have IEPs. Yet the diversity index sits at 48%, and the community feel is reinforced by strong family engagement — 217 families completed surveys, a solid response rate for a neighborhood where only 13.7% of households have children.

Concourse is a dense, urban Bronx neighborhood built around the Grand Concourse, with strong transit connections (66.67 score) and high family density (77.39). However, it scores just 2.68 on safety — in the bottom percentile — with elevated crime density and environmental health concerns (asthma rates in the 75th percentile, lead exposure at 15.2%). The area has low homeownership (11%) and only 15.8% of residents have a BA+, meaning many families here are navigating economic challenges while raising children. There's a sense of stability (72.41) despite the hardships, with local parks and community resources.

The Grand Concourse corridor is highly walkable with good bus and subway access, making it reachable for families without cars — important in a neighborhood where car ownership is low