Samara Community School

Test scores at Samara have climbed dramatically — ELA proficiency went from 24% in 2018 to 60% today, and math from 23% to 67%. That's nearly tripling in seven years, a trajectory that puts this school far above District 12 averages (44.6% ELA, 43.3% math). The pattern across grades shows steady growth: third-graders hit 47% ELA, fourth-graders reach 58%, and fifth-graders — the oldest in this K-5 school — excel at 76% ELA and 71% math. At 67% math proficiency, the school is outperforming most peers in the district.

The culture here is defined by extraordinary trust and safety — 99% of parents say they're satisfied, 100% of teachers report trust in leadership and collegial trust, and 97% feel safe. There have been zero suspensions for three straight years. That said, chronic absenteeism is a significant concern at 75.4%, far above typical rates — meaning nearly three-quarters of students miss at least 10% of the school year. This creates a puzzle: families and teachers clearly trust the school deeply (survey response rates are exceptional at 99% for families), but getting kids to attend consistently remains a challenge.

This is a predominantly Hispanic school — 89% of students identify as Hispanic, with 10% Black and 1% white. Nearly all students (84%) come from economically disadvantaged households, and 20% have IEPs. The neighborhood around Crotona Park East reflects similar demographics: low-income (median income $41,412), low homeownership (just 9.6%), and only 15% of households have children — meaning this school serves as a critical anchor for the family's density in the area. PTA fundraising is modest at $42 per student (below the $53 district average).

Crotona Park East is a high-need Bronx neighborhood with real challenges and some strengths. Safety scores are low (only 12.6 percentile), and the poverty rate sits at 28.5%. However, family density is very high (84th percentile), transit access is decent (67th percentile), and there's a sense of stability (63rd percentile). Education orientation is low (23rd percentile), reflecting the limited college-degree holders in the area (only 14.7% have a BA+). The neighborhood has Crotona Park itself, offering green space, and the school sits in a working-class community where many families are navigating immigration status, language barriers, and economic stress.

The neighborhood is very walkable and transit-accessible given the area's density and decent transit scores. Many families likely walk or take short bus rides.