The Riverside School for Makers and Artists

Test scores are significantly below district averages — 18% in ELA and 19% in Math compared to the district's 59% and 54%. Looking at the historical trend is important: scores peaked in 2019 at 34% ELA and 25% Math, then declined through the pandemic and haven't recovered. Grade-level variation is striking: 5th graders scored 27% in ELA while 6th graders hit only 10%. This suggests inconsistent outcomes across grade levels and cohorts rather than steady underperformance across the board. The overall score of 0.73 out of 4 places this well below the district average of 2.27.

The survey data tells a complicated story. On one hand, 100% of respondents reported 'strong relationships' — a remarkable finding that suggests the school has built genuine community among families and staff. Teachers report 80% safety, which is lower than the district average but not alarming. However, parent satisfaction sits at only 55%, and parent-principal trust is notably low at 44%. Teacher instruction quality is rated 66%, below the district's 87%. On discipline: the school has achieved zero suspensions in 2023-24, down from 7 the prior year — a clear improvement in the approach to student behavior. The chronic absenteeism rate of 38.7% is a real concern and likely connected to the 82.5% attendance rate.

The student body is predominantly Hispanic (48%) and Black (34%), with small percentages of White (10%) and Asian (7%) students. The diversity index is 67%. Nearly 27% of students have IEPs, and 76% qualify for free lunch — a high economic need that contrasts sharply with the surrounding neighborhood's affluence. The school draws from its zone, meaning these families live in one of Manhattan's wealthiest areas but face significant economic challenges themselves. The PTA raised $6,854 ($13 per student) — remarkably low compared to the district average of $627 per student, reflecting the economic realities of the families actually attending.

The Upper West Side-Lincoln Square neighborhood is extremely family-oriented (99.6th percentile for family density) with excellent transit (96.9 score). Median household income is $162,360 and 83% of residents have bachelor's degrees or higher. However, safety scores are low (23 out of 100) and environmental health indicators are concerning (asthma rates and air quality). The neighborhood has extensive parks and cultural resources, and the school sits in an area where many families with children live — though only 15% of households have children, reflecting the area's overall demographics. This is a neighborhood of wealth and resources that doesn't fully reach the students at this school.

The school is in a highly walkable area with excellent transit access. Families in the zone walk or take the subway. However, the area's heavy crime density (5,377 incidents) and collision rate may concern some parents walking with younger children.