The Waverly Academy of Empowered Learners

State assessment proficiency data is not available for this school, making it difficult to directly compare academic performance against the district's ELA average of 61% and math average of 61%. What we have are teacher ratings: 100% of teachers report high instruction quality, which is notably above the district average of 93%. Without test scores, families should inquire directly about curriculum, intervention supports, and how the school tracks student progress.

The survey data here is exceptional across every dimension — parent satisfaction at 93%, parent-teacher trust at 97%, parent-principal trust at 97%, and teacher-reported safety at 99%. Every single teacher surveyed gave top marks for instruction quality and trust in leadership. There's also a discipline record worth noting: zero suspensions for the past two years. This pattern — ultra-high trust combined with no out-of-school removals — suggests a school culture built on relationship-heavy practices rather than punitive discipline. The 75% family survey response rate is solid, lending credibility to these numbers.

The neighborhood has a higher poverty rate (26%) and lower education attainment (28% with BA+) compared to some other Staten Island areas, which likely means this school serves a working-class population. The homeownership rate of 34% is relatively low, suggesting a mix of renters and owners. Only 12% of households have children, which is quite low for an elementary school zone — meaning families may be drawn from beyond the immediate neighborhood. The student body likely reflects this economically diverse, mobile community.

This is a transit-accessible area (score: 72) on Staten Island's North Shore, with the Staten Island Railway connecting to the ferry. The neighborhood scores poorly on safety (38th percentile) and has elevated environmental health concerns — the asthma emergency department rate of 47 per 1,000 and lead exposure rate of 19% are worth noting for families with health-sensitive children. However, stability scores well (72), meaning many residents have lived here long-term. Family density is low (26th percentile), so this isn't a playground-heavy kids-everywhere neighborhood — it's more of a working residential area.

Staten Island's bus and railway network serves this area, but most families likely drive or walk. The relatively low crime safety score suggests parents should factor commute safety into their morning routine, particularly for younger children walking alone.