The New American Academy at Roberto Clemente State Park

Test scores here are significantly below district averages: 26.1% ELA proficiency versus 44.8% district-wide, and 14.6% math versus 44.7% district. The trend line is volatile — ELA dropped from 26% in 2016 to a low of 6.3% in 2022, then rebounded to current levels. Math shows a similar pattern with a recent jump to 26.7% in 2024 before dropping to 14.6% this year. Grade 4 performs strongest in ELA (31.3%) while Grade 5 math lags at just 9.7%. These scores place the school among the lower-performing in District 9, where peer schools like Icahn Charter (99/100) and Success Academy (97/100) show dramatically different outcomes.

The climate data tells a complex story. Parents love this school — 96% satisfaction with near-universal trust in teachers and the principal. Strong relationships score a perfect 100%. But teachers tell a different story: instruction quality ratings (76%) fall below district averages, and teacher-principal trust sits at just 48% — notably low. Teacher-reported safety (71%) is also below the district average. Chronic absenteeism is a serious concern at 55.3%, with female students (60.2%) and Black students (63.6%) missing the most school. On a positive note, suspensions are zero — the school has maintained this for three consecutive years.

With 437 students, the school reflects its neighborhood's demographics: 60% Hispanic, 36% Black, 3% white, and 1% Asian. The diversity index sits at 48%. Nearly 27% of students have IEPs, suggesting strong special education services. The community is young and family-dense — only 14.1% of households have children, but family density scores in the 94th percentile. Homeownership is extremely low at 6.5%, indicating most families rent. The neighborhood's BA+ education rate of just 14.9% suggests many parents may have limited prior experience navigating the city's educational options.

University Heights-Morris Heights is a high-density, transit-accessible Bronx neighborhood with significant challenges. The median household income of $32,393 and 37.3% poverty rate reflect economic hardship. Safety scores are low (6.13 percentile), and environmental health indicators show concerns: elevated lead rates (18%) and high asthma-related ER visits (75.5 per 1,000). However, transit access is strong (69.73 score), and the area has family-friendly infrastructure despite its struggles. The school is named after Roberto Clemente State Park, suggesting proximity to green space.

The neighborhood is densely populated and walkable, with strong transit access. Families in the zone can typically walk or take short bus rides. However, the low safety score means parents of younger children often accompany them, particularly during early morning and evening hours.