The Equity Project Charter School

The school has posted impressive academic gains over the past decade — ELA proficiency rose from 24.8% in 2016 to 51.2% in 2025, and math from 43.3% to 64.1%. Both metrics now exceed the District 6 averages (47% ELA, 52% math). The overall quality score of 2.31 out of 4 also beats the district average of 1.98. Performance strengthens notably in upper grades: 8th graders hit 71.6% ELA proficiency and 7th graders reached 86% in math. That said, there's variability — 4th grade ELA sits at just 29.1%, suggesting that some grade levels are struggling more than others to keep pace.

Parent perception data is exceptionally strong — 96% satisfaction, and nearly universal trust in teachers (97%) and the principal (97%). Family survey response rate of 99% suggests deep engagement. However, teachers paint a more complicated picture: instruction quality ratings (85%) and reported safety (88%) both fall below district averages, and teacher-principal trust sits at just 70% — notably lower than the parent trust figures. The 92.6% daily attendance rate is slightly above district average, but the chronic absenteeism rate of 73.6% is extraordinary, meaning nearly three-quarters of students missed significant school time. This disconnect between high parent satisfaction and teacher concerns, combined with the absenteeism pattern, suggests the school's culture may work well for engaged families but struggle to retain all students consistently.

With 94% Hispanic enrollment, this is one of the most demographically homogeneous schools in Manhattan — far more so than the Inwood neighborhood itself (which is about 67% Hispanic). The diversity index of just 16% reflects this concentration. Economic need is extremely high at 83.5%, and 22% of students have IEPs. The school serves a community where 15.4% of neighborhood households live below the poverty line and only 9.2% own homes. This is a school that serves predominantly working-class immigrant families navigating significant economic challenges.

Inwood is a predominantly residential neighborhood in Upper Manhattan with strong transit access (63.6 percentile) and a family density score of 53.26. The area offers access to Inwood Hill Park and is relatively affordable for Manhattan, though median home values still reach $508,338. The neighborhood has a 40% rate of residents with bachelor's degrees or higher, suggesting an educated parent population even amid economic challenges. Safety indicators show some concerns — the crime density is elevated and environmental health metrics (asthma rates, lead exposure) suggest underlying environmental challenges common in northern Manhattan.

Inwood is walkable and well-served by the A train and Metro-North. Many families in this dense residential area walk to school. The neighborhood's relatively flat terrain in parts makes stroller and cart navigation manageable.