The Matilda Avenue School

The school's 44.2% ELA and 43% math proficiency rates are below the district averages of 56.7% and 55.6%, respectively, placing it in the lower third of District 11 schools. However, the five-year trend tells an important story — scores cratered during the pandemic (ELA dropped to 26.1% in 2024) but have rebounded sharply to their current levels. The grade-level breakdown shows strong growth in the upper grades, with Grade 5 students hitting 54.1% ELA and 50% math proficiency — nearly on par with district averages. This suggests the school is making real headway in helping students catch up, particularly as they move through the grades.

The survey data is extraordinary: 98% parent satisfaction, 99% parent-teacher trust, and 100% teacher-reported safety and instruction quality. These numbers are well above district averages and suggest a school where families feel heard and teachers feel supported. Attendance is a concern — the 90% attendance rate is slightly below the district average, and chronic absenteeism at 63.7% is notably high, particularly among Black students (75.2%). However, discipline is a clear strength: the school has had zero suspensions for three consecutive years, indicating an environment focused on restorative practices rather than exclusion.

With 243 students, this is a small zoned elementary school with a majority-Black student body (53%) followed by Hispanic students (33%). The economic need index of 78.6% is high — nearly 8 in 10 students come from families experiencing economic hardship. Sixteen percent of students have IEPs, consistent with typical elementary populations. The diversity index of 65% reflects a relatively diverse school community. PTA fundraising is minimal at $2 per student (total $500), well below the district average of $23.69, suggesting limited extra fundraising capacity rather than lack of community engagement.

The Wakefield-Woodlawn area of the Bronx is a stable, residential neighborhood with a 91.57% stability score — families stay here. However, the safety score of 32.18 is notably low, and the area has elevated environmental health concerns including lead exposure rates and asthma emergency department visits higher than ideal. The median home value of $554,573 and homeownership rate of 43.7% suggest a working- and middle-class community. Transit options are moderate (44.06), and the family density score of 60.15 indicates a decent number of children in the area.

This is a car-optional neighborhood for many families — the relatively low transit score suggests families often rely on driving or walking. The school's zoned status means most students walk or are driven from nearby blocks.