P.S./M.S. 280 Mosholu Parkway

Test scores have climbed substantially since 2016 — ELA jumped from 28% to 45.3% and math from 31.6% to 43.4% — putting the school roughly at parity with District 10 averages (ELA 45.0%, math 43.5%). However, performance varies dramatically by grade: 7th graders hit 53.6% ELA proficiency while 5th graders lag at 35.2%. Math is particularly strong in the early grades (51.4% in 3rd grade, 53.7% in 4th) but drops in upper grades (35.3% in 8th). Science proficiency at 27.3% is notably lower than other subjects. The overall quality score of 1.77/4 matches the district average exactly.

The survey numbers are striking: 95% parent satisfaction, 97% parent-teacher trust, and 97% of teachers rating instruction quality as high. Teachers report 98% feeling safe — well above the district average of 87%. There's been a decisive shift toward restorative practices: suspensions dropped from 3 in 2021-22 to zero in 2023-24. But the attendance story is troubling — 89.4% daily attendance (slightly below district average) masks a 57.1% chronic absenteeism rate, meaning more than half of students are missing significant school time. This isn't a discipline problem; it's a structural engagement challenge that likely reflects family instability in a high-poverty neighborhood.

This is a predominantly Hispanic school (75%) with roughly equal Asian and Black student populations (10% each), reflecting Norwood's demographics. With 91.3% economic need index and 26% IEP students, the population has significant support needs. The diversity index of 49% is moderate. Family engagement is high in surveys (95% satisfaction) but the survey response rate is low (13% of families), suggesting the most engaged families are responding while others may be disconnected — consistent with the high chronic absenteeism.

Norwood is a high-poverty, transit-rich Bronx neighborhood where most families rent (only 4.5% homeownership) and a quarter live below the poverty line. The area scores well on transit (74%) and family density (84%), meaning it's easy to get around and families are indeed here — though only 18% of households have children, one of the lower figures in the data. Safety scores a concerning 8.4/100, and education orientation is low at 22.6/100. There are parks and community resources, but parents should know this is a neighborhood where economic stress is visible.

The school is accessible via the 4 train and several bus lines, and Norwood is generally walkable. However, given the low safety score, families with younger children may prefer to walk together or arrange carpools rather than letting older kids walk alone.