School for Environmental Citizenship

Test scores place this school at essentially district average in both subjects — 45.8% ELA versus 45.0% district average, and 43.8% math versus 43.5% district. But what matters more is the trend: over nine years, ELA proficiency climbed from 15.5% to 45.8% and math from 15.2% to 43.8%. That's nearly tripling performance. Third graders are performing at 38.8% ELA and 40.3% math; by fifth grade, those numbers reach 53.6% and 49.5% — showing meaningful growth as students move through the grades. The school is catching up to the district, not falling behind.

This is a school where families feel heard and respected — parent satisfaction sits at 94%, with parent-teacher trust at 95% and parent-principal trust at 94%. Those numbers are exceptional and suggest a genuinely welcoming environment. Teachers report more caution: 76% say instruction quality is strong (well below the district average of 91%), and 78% feel safe at school (versus 87% districtwide). Teacher-principal trust is 78%, lower than parent trust. Attendance is solid at 92.9% (above district average), but chronic absenteeism is staggeringly high at 76.6% — a neighborhood-level challenge, not necessarily a school problem. Discipline is outstanding: zero suspensions for three straight years.

The student body is 85% Hispanic and 12% Black, with very few Asian or white students — reflecting the neighborhood's demographics. Economic need is extreme at 93.9%, meaning nearly every family qualifies for free or reduced lunch. Thirteen percent of students have IEPs. At 464 students with an average class size of 22.9, the school is mid-sized for the area. The diversity index is low at 28%, but families report strong community ties — 91% say relationships between staff and families are strong.

Fordham Heights is a densely populated, family-heavy neighborhood in the Bronx where most residents rent (homeownership is just 1.1%) and many live below the poverty line. The median household income is about $40,000, and only 11.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree. Transit access is excellent (85th percentile), making commutes manageable. Safety scores are extremely low — this is a neighborhood where families should factor in real safety considerations. There's a high asthma rate and environmental health concerns, which may connect to the school's environmental focus.

High family density (94th percentile) means many students likely walk or take short bus rides. Strong transit access helps families who commute from elsewhere.