Professor Juan Bosch Public School

This school has turned a corner. Just three years ago, only 41% of students were proficient in ELA and 36% in math — today those numbers sit at 62% and 62.4%, placing Professor Juan Bosch firmly above the district average of 47% and 52% respectively. The improvement trajectory is especially notable in math, which jumped from 35.9% in 2022 to 67% in 2024 before settling at 62.4%. Grade-level data reveals particularly strong performance in upper elementary: fifth graders are posting 78% ELA and 83% math proficiency, while third graders are still catching up at 47% and 33%. This pattern suggests the school's improvement efforts are bearing fruit in the upper grades, with third grade representing a growth opportunity.

The survey data here is extraordinary. Teachers rate instruction quality at 98% and report feeling 100% safe — numbers you simply don't see in most public schools. Families mirror that confidence: 92% satisfaction, 96% trust in teachers, 95% trust in the principal. Attendance tells a more complicated story — the 91.7% rate is roughly average for the district, but chronic absenteeism at 71% is a real concern that likely reflects challenges specific to this community rather than school climate issues. Discipline is a bright spot with zero suspensions over the past three years, suggesting the school handles behavior through restorative approaches rather than exclusion.

This is a tight-knit school serving 256 students in a neighborhood that is 79% Hispanic. The demographics are nearly identical to the community: the school reports 79% Hispanic, 13% white, 3% Black, and 4% multiracial students, with 0% Asian enrollment. Nearly a third of students (30%) have IEPs, and 72% qualify for free lunch — this is a school serving working-class families. Yet community engagement is strong: 248 families completed surveys (a 100% response rate) and the PTA raised $21,196 this year, which works out to $83 per student — notably above the district average of $52.

Washington Heights is a high-density, transit-rich neighborhood in Upper Manhattan where families make up a significant portion of the population. The area scores well on family density (80th percentile) and transit access (76th percentile), making it practical for commuters. The median home value of $575,428 and homeownership rate of 17.5% reflect a community where most families rent. The median household income of $76,919 sits above the citywide poverty line, but the 14% poverty rate indicates economic diversity. Crime density is elevated, which contributes to a safety score of just under 10 — something parents here are aware of.

The neighborhood is highly walkable with good subway access via the A, C, and 1 lines. Families from the immediate Washington Heights area can walk, while those coming from farther afield rely on public transit or school buses.