Motley
District 55

P.S. M079 - Horan School

55 EAST 120 STREET

At a Glance

A specialized high school where every student has an IEP and trust scores approach perfection

Best suited for

Families whose children have Individualized Education Programs and are looking for a small, supportive high school environment where every student receives specialized attention. Parents who value strong home-school partnerships and trust-based relationships with teachers and administrators will find a strong fit. This school is ideal for families who prioritize a nurturing, inclusive environment over traditional academic metrics and who are comfortable with the East Harlem neighborhood context.

What stands out
  • 100% IEP student population — a specialized high school serving exclusively students with Individualized Education Programs
  • Exceptional trust scores: 99% parent-teacher trust and 99% parent-principal trust
  • Zero suspensions — indicating a restorative or supportive approach to discipline
  • Very high family engagement with 89% survey response rate and 98% parent satisfaction
  • Small community with 278 students and 18.7 average class size
Things to consider
  • No test score data available — parents won't have state assessment metrics to review
  • Only serves grades 9-12 — families need to plan for middle school transitions elsewhere
  • Located in a neighborhood with low safety scores — something to factor into daily logistics
  • All students have IEPs — this is a specialized setting, not a neighborhood high school
  • Small enrollment means limited extracurricular options compared to larger schools

Based on 2025 data

School SummaryDistrict 5

Among peer schools in District 5, this school doesn't appear on the quantitative ranking lists that include charter schools like Harlem Village Academy (96/100) and P.S. 125 Ralph Bunche (79/100). However, in terms of trust and satisfaction metrics, it outperforms the district averages significantly — parent satisfaction of 98% vs. the district average of 91%, and teacher instruction quality of 99% vs. 88% district average. The school occupies a unique position as a specialized institution serving students with IEPs, which makes direct comparisons with traditional high schools challenging.

AcademicsSteady

Test score data is not available for this school, which is important for parents to know. However, the school operates within District 5, where the average ELA proficiency sits at 54% and Math at 51%. Given that all students have IEPs, traditional proficiency metrics may not capture the progress this population makes. The average class size of 18.7 is comparable to the district average, allowing for individualized attention.

Culturemoderate

The culture and climate data is exceptional. Parent satisfaction comes in at 98%, and trust between parents and teachers (99%) and parents and the principal (99%) shows families feel genuinely partnered in their children's education. Teachers report 99% instruction quality and 93% trust in leadership — numbers that reflect a cohesive, well-functioning school community. The family survey response rate of 89% is remarkably high, indicating strong engagement. There were zero suspensions, suggesting a restorative or supportive approach to discipline. This is a school where the day-to-day feel appears to be collaborative, trusting, and focused on student well-being.

Community

This school serves 278 students in a tightly configured high school setting. The student body is predominantly Hispanic (61%) and Black (35%), reflecting East Harlem's demographics. All students have IEPs, making this a uniquely specialized community. The diversity index of 47% indicates meaningful demographic variety within the student population. This isn't a neighborhood school serving the general population — it's a destination school for families whose children need specialized educational support, drawing students from across the district.

NeighborhoodEast Harlem (North)

East Harlem (North) is a densely populated, transit-rich neighborhood in Manhattan. With a transit score of 82.76, getting around is convenient via multiple subway lines. The family density score of 93.49 indicates this is a neighborhood where families with children are concentrated. However, the safety score of 9.58 is notably low — parents should factor this into their consideration. The median household income of $36,709 and poverty rate of 33.2% reflect economic challenges in the community. The education orientation score of 72.8 suggests families here value educational opportunities.

The neighborhood is highly walkable with excellent transit access. Families living in East Harlem can typically walk or take short subway rides. Those coming from further afield benefit from strong transit connectivity, though commute times will vary.

Survey Results

Family Feedback
Satisfaction
98%
Teacher Trust
99%
Principal Trust
99%
Teacher Perspective
Instruction
99%
Principal Trust
93%
Collegial Trust
87%

NYC School Survey (2025) · 247 families responded (89% rate)

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Moderate
61%Hispanic/Latino
35%Black
3%White
2%Asian

NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23

Economic Need & Special Populations

IEP Students
100%

Discipline

0suspensions

NYSED Student & Educator Database

Frequently Asked Questions
Is P.S. M079 - Horan School a good school?
Published quality ratings aren't available for P.S. M079 - Horan School yet on Motley. It's a public school serving grades 9 to 12 in East Harlem (North).
What grades does P.S. M079 - Horan School serve?
P.S. M079 - Horan School serves grades 9 to 12.
Is P.S. M079 - Horan School public, charter, or private?
P.S. M079 - Horan School is a public school in NYC Community School District 5.
What neighborhood is P.S. M079 - Horan School in?
P.S. M079 - Horan School is in East Harlem (North), Manhattan.
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