South Bronx Academy for Applied Media

Test scores at South Bronx Academy are below the District 7 averages — 30.5% in ELA versus 51.3% districtwide, and 20.1% in Math versus 49%. However, the school has climbed significantly from its 2016 baseline (11.1% ELA, 5.9% Math), and math saw a notable jump to 25.6% in 2024 before settling at 20.1% in 2025. Grade 8 outperforms the rest of the school in ELA (40.7%), suggesting older students may be benefiting from interventions or retention. With an overall quality score of 1.01 out of 4, this is a school where students are catching up — not keeping pace with district peers.

The survey data tells a striking story: 96% of families are satisfied, 98% trust teachers, and 99% trust the principal. Teachers are equally positive — 97% rate instruction quality highly, and 96% trust their colleagues. This is a school where people feel heard and supported. The catch: chronic absenteeism is 58.5%, meaning more than half of students miss significant school time. Attendance sits at 90.2%, slightly below the district average. Suspensions are low (2%) and stable over three years, suggesting discipline is managed without heavy-handed approaches. The day-to-day feel appears warm and relational, but chronic absenteeism is a real concern — families may be facing logistical or stability challenges that keep kids home.

The student body is predominantly Hispanic (57%) and Black (38%), reflecting the Melrose neighborhood's demographics. Nearly 40% of students have IEPs, suggesting strong special education services. With an economic need index of 92.7%, virtually all families are facing financial hardship. The diversity index of 49% indicates moderate demographic diversity within the school. This is a high-need community — not a affluent or mixed-income one — and the school is squarely serving that population.

Melrose is a high-poverty Bronx neighborhood with significant challenges. Median household income is just $30,236, and only 10% of residents own homes. The area scores very low on safety (1.92 out of 100) and stability (27.2), with high crime density. However, transit access is strong (77.78), making commutes manageable. Only 15.7% of households have children, meaning this is not a particularly family-dense area. Education orientation is low (29.5%), suggesting fewer enrichment options outside school. Parents should know the neighborhood has real safety concerns but also real community infrastructure.

The area has strong transit access, though walking may feel challenging given safety concerns. Families likely rely on public transportation or school-provided transport options.