The Lexington Academy

Test scores at The Lexington Academy remain significantly below the District 4 averages — ELA proficiency of 31.1% and Math at 27.8% compare to district averages of nearly 50% and 45% respectively. However, looking at the longer trajectory, the school has climbed from 22.6% ELA in 2016 to 31.1% in 2025, and Math has more than doubled from 22.6% to 27.8% over the same period. Grade-level data shows stronger performance in upper elementary and middle school — 7th grade Math hits 42.9% and 8th grade ELA reaches 44.2%, while earlier grades struggle more, with 3rd grade ELA at just 15.6%. The overall quality rating of 1.18 out of 4 reflects the distance still to travel, but the trend line shows incremental, consistent growth.

Here's what stands out: parents absolutely trust this school's leadership — 100% report confidence in the principal and 98% trust teachers, both exceeding district averages. Parent satisfaction sits at 93%. However, there's a notable internal divide. Teachers report instruction quality at only 74% (versus 87% district average) and collegial trust among staff is quite low at 51%. Teacher-reported safety is 80%, slightly below the 87% district average. The school has maintained a low suspension rate at 1% (3 suspensions), down from 8 in the prior year, indicating a restorative approach to discipline.

With 543 students in grades PK through 8, The Lexington Academy is a neighborhood school reflecting its surroundings: 75% Hispanic, 20% Black, 4% White, and 1% Asian. The economic need index of 91.8% is extremely high — nearly every student qualifies for free or reduced lunch. A full 32% of students have IEPs, well above typical rates, and the school provides ELL support for multilingual learners. The diversity index of 41% reflects a student body that's relatively homogeneous compared to the city overall, but mirrors the local East Harlem demographic profile.

East Harlem is one of Manhattan's most family-dense neighborhoods (96th percentile for family density) with excellent transit access (80th percentile). However, safety scores are low at 12, and environmental health indicators show concerns — elevated asthma rates (155 per 10,000) and lead exposure risk (7.9% elevated lead rate). The neighborhood has seen rapid gentrification with median home values now exceeding $828,000, yet poverty remains high at 29.5% and homeownership is just 7.8%. Families here rely heavily on public transit, and the area offers several parks and community resources despite environmental challenges.

Most families walk to this zoned school — the neighborhood is extremely walkable with high population density. Those coming from further afield benefit from strong subway and bus access (80th percentile transit score).