P.S. M079 - Horan School

There's no state ELA or math proficiency data reported for this school, and that's not an oversight — District 75 schools generally don't appear in standard proficiency rankings because their students follow individualized pathways tied to their IEPs rather than grade-level assessments. With 100% of students receiving special education services and an average class size near 19, academic progress here is tracked through individual goals and post-secondary transition planning, not proficiency rates. Families comparing this school should understand it's evaluated on a completely different yardstick than a typical District 5 high school.

The climate numbers here are striking across the board — 99% of parents trust the principal, 99% trust teachers, and 99% rate instruction quality highly, all well above the District 5 averages of roughly 91% parent satisfaction and 88% teacher instruction quality. On the staff side, 93% of teachers trust the principal and 87% trust each other, suggesting a collaborative working environment rather than a top-down one. Zero suspensions over the survey period points to a discipline approach built around support and de-escalation rather than removal — consistent with a school serving students with significant needs. The 89% family survey response rate is unusually high, signaling families here are deeply engaged and likely to be heard.

The student body is 61% Hispanic and 35% Black, closely mirroring the surrounding East Harlem neighborhood, which has a median household income around $36,700 and a poverty rate above 33%. Every student here has an IEP, so this is by definition a community of families navigating special education services together — placement typically comes through the IEP process rather than a general application. The 47% diversity index reflects a relatively concentrated racial mix rather than a citywide blend, but the shared experience of navigating disability services creates its own kind of community.

East Harlem (North) is a heavily renter neighborhood — only about 8% of households own their homes — with a poverty rate over 33% and a median household income of roughly $36,700. About 11% of households have children, and just under 30% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting a working-class community with deep roots but limited wealth. The neighborhood's demographic makeup tracks closely with the school's enrollment.

The 116 St (6) stop is about a 6-minute walk, the 125 St station on the 4/5/6 lines is also roughly 6 minutes away, and the 125 St (2/3) stop is about 9 minutes on foot — three solid subway options within easy range.