The STAR Academy - P.S.63

Test scores at The STAR Academy lag behind the District 1 average — ELA proficiency sits at 42% versus the district's 51.7%, and math at just 26.8% compared to the district's 47.4%. The overall quality score of 1.38 out of 4 places it well below the district average of 1.98. Looking at the historical trend, scores peaked in 2017-2018 (55.7% ELA, 55.7% math) before declining sharply — ELA dropped to 28.9% in 2022 and math to 20.5%. There has been recovery since, with ELA climbing to 42% and math to 26.8% in 2025, but math remains particularly challenging. Grade-level data shows Grade 3 ELA at 42.1% but math at only 18.2%, suggesting early intervention needs are significant.

The climate picture is mixed and revealing. Families report strong connections — 100% say relationships are strong, parent satisfaction is 79%, and parent-teacher trust reaches 85%. Teacher-reported safety is excellent at 96%. However, there's a notable trust gap: teacher-principal trust is only 49%, while teacher collegial trust is high at 90%. This suggests staff feel supported by each other but uncertain about leadership direction. Discipline is a genuine bright spot: zero suspensions for three consecutive years. The significant concern is attendance — the 87.4% attendance rate is below district average, and chronic absenteeism reaches an alarming 47.4%, with female students (53%) and Black students (51.6%) particularly affected.

This is a working-class neighborhood school in a district known for its competitive screened options. The student body is 65% Hispanic, 20% Black, 8% white, and 2% Asian, with 4% multi-racial and 1% Native American. Thirty-two percent of students have IEPs — well above typical — and the economic need index of 70.4% reflects significant poverty. The diversity index of 57% indicates moderate demographic variety. PTA fundraising of $106 per student is below the district average of $272, suggesting less capacity for extracurricular enrichment funding.

The East Village is a dense, transit-rich neighborhood with a nightlife and cultural scene that attracts young adults more than families — only 6.6% of households have children. Median household income is $87,728 with a 24.7% poverty rate, and homeownership is extremely low at 13.9% (most residents rent). Education orientation scores just 14.18 out of 100, indicating this isn't a classically 'school-focused' neighborhood. However, transit access is exceptional at 93.1, making commutes from other areas feasible. Safety scores are low at 14.94, and environmental health indicators (air quality, lead, asthma rates) show concerns.

The East Village is highly walkable, and the school is accessible by multiple subway lines. Families living in the neighborhood can walk, but many students likely commute from other parts of Manhattan or beyond given the low family density in the immediate area.