PS/MS 20 P.O.George J. Werdann, III

Test scores at PS/MS 20 have historically lagged behind District 10 averages, but the 2024-25 data shows a notable turnaround — ELA jumped to 40.5% (up from 26.8% in 2023-24) and Math reached 39.8% (up from 24.1%). Both remain below the district averages of 45% for ELA and 43.5% for Math. Looking at grade-level performance, the upper grades perform stronger — 7th graders hit 47.8% in ELA and 8th graders reached 46.6% in Math, suggesting the middle school years are yielding better results than the elementary years.

The survey data tells a compelling story: families here feel genuinely connected. Parent satisfaction sits at 91%, parent-teacher trust at 93%, and parent-principal trust at 94%. Perhaps most notably, 100% of respondents reported 'strong relationships' between staff and families. Teachers echo this — 92% rate instruction quality as strong, and 89% feel safe at school. However, attendance is a real challenge — only 88.9% show up regularly, and a striking 56.9% of students are chronically absent, with rates hovering around 57% across most demographic groups. Suspensions are low at 1%, consistent over the past few years.

This is a high-need community — 90.8% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, and 24% have IEPs. The student body is predominantly Hispanic (74%), with 12% Black, 7% Asian, 5% White, and 2% Native American. The diversity index sits at 50%, reflecting a fairly homogeneous student population in a neighborhood that itself is predominantly working-class and immigrant. Nearly a quarter of students (24%) receive special education services, a higher proportion than many peer schools.

Norwood is a densely populated, family-heavy Bronx neighborhood with a strong sense of stability (scoring 80 out of 100) but limited education orientation (22.6 out of 100). The area has low homeownership at just 4.5% and a poverty rate of 26.8%, with median household income around $47,000. Transit access is solid (73.95 score), making it reachable by subway and bus. Safety scores are low (8.43 out of 100), reflecting the realities of many South Bronx neighborhoods, though family density is very high (83.91).

Norwood is a walkable neighborhood, and many families in the zoned area likely walk to school. The area is well-served by public transit, making it accessible for families commuting from other parts of the Bronx.