The School of Science and Applied Learning

Test scores here are below the District 12 average — 33.9% in ELA and 26% in math versus district averages of 44.6% and 43.3% respectively. The historical trend shows genuine improvement from 2016 (12.5% ELA) to 2025 (33.9% ELA), suggesting the school has been climbing, though there's been volatility — a sharp dip during the pandemic years (2022-2023) followed by recovery. Grade 4 performs notably stronger (43.4% ELA, 40.4% math) than Grade 3 (19.6% ELA, 17.5% math), indicating that older students are catching up but younger learners need more support. The overall quality score of 1.2 out of 4 reflects these struggles relative to peer schools.

The survey data tells a complex story. Families absolutely love this school — parent satisfaction hits 93%, and trust in teachers and principal reaches near-perfect levels (97-98%). Every single parent surveyed reported 'strong relationships' with the school. However, teachers paint a more cautious picture: only 68% feel safe at work (compared to 85% district average), and teacher collegial trust is just 61%. The 52.4% chronic absenteeism rate is a serious concern — more than half of students are missing significant school time, which directly impacts learning. On the positive side, discipline is excellent: zero suspensions in the most recent year, suggesting the school handles behavior through supportive rather than punitive means.

This is a predominantly Hispanic (61%) and Black (36%) student body, reflecting the Tremont neighborhood's demographics. With 93.3% economic need index and 28% of students having IEPs, the school serves a high-need population. The diversity index of 46% is moderate, and class sizes (21.9 students on average) match the district average exactly. The family survey response rate of 41% is decent, though only 29 teachers completed the survey — a small sample that makes some teacher-reported metrics less reliable.

Tremont is a densely populated, high-poverty Bronx neighborhood with significant family challenges. Median home values of $442,724 suggest some housing stability, but only 7.5% homeownership means most families are renting. The area scores poorly on education orientation (35th percentile) and has notable safety concerns (crime density in the high range). Transit access is decent (60th percentile), which helps families get to school, and family density is high (81st percentile). Air quality (PM2.5) is acceptable, but asthma rates are elevated, and 15.2% of homes have elevated lead risk — environmental factors that affect student health and attendance.

Tremont is pedestrian-friendly with good transit connections, making it feasible for families to walk or take buses to school — important given that most families don't own cars in this low-car-ownership neighborhood