Theatre Arts Production Company School

TAPCO's academics sit slightly above the District 10 average overall (1.89 vs 1.77 on the 4-point scale), with math proficiency (51.9%) beating the district average (43.5%) while ELA (42.5%) runs a few points below the district average (45%). The school's test score trajectory is notable — math jumped from 15.9% in 2016 to 51.9% in 2025, nearly tripling over eight years, while ELA improved from 24.9% to 42.5%. Grade-level data shows particularly strong performance in Grade 7 math (85.7%), suggesting the school's interventions are working at certain levels. However, the wide gap between Grade 7 and Grade 8 math (85.7% vs 32.1%) indicates inconsistency across grade bands that families should investigate.

The school's survey data tells a story of strong relationships amid attendance struggles. Parent satisfaction (92%) and trust in teachers and principal (both 94%) are very high, suggesting families feel heard and supported. Teachers report strong collegial trust (87%) and reasonable confidence in leadership (86%), with 90% rating instruction quality as good or excellent. However, chronic absenteeism at 65.9% is a serious concern — it pulls the overall attendance rate down to 89.7%, slightly below the district average. The discipline picture is improving: suspensions dropped from 19 in 2022-23 to just 10 in 2023-24, though the 2% suspension rate still exceeds the district average of 0.28%. The day-to-day feel appears collaborative and arts-forward, but chronic absenteeism may reflect transportation, housing, or family stability challenges common in high-need neighborhoods.

TAPCO serves 552 students in grades 6-12 through a competitive audition process, with an enrollment that's 70% Hispanic and 27% Black — reflecting the surrounding Mount Hope neighborhood's demographics. A quarter of students have IEPs, and the economic need index sits at 89.7%, meaning nearly all students qualify for free or reduced lunch. The diversity index is 41%, relatively homogeneous but typical for the Bronx. The school draws students from across the borough through its specialized arts admissions, creating a community of students who self-selected into an intensive performing arts track.

Mount Hope is a high-density, high-need Bronx neighborhood with excellent transit access (85th percentile) but significant challenges. Median household income is just $41,487, and 31.4% of residents live below the poverty line. Only 3.9% of residents own homes, and just 15% have a bachelor's degree or higher. The neighborhood scores very low on education orientation (19th percentile), suggesting fewer educational resources and supports than more affluent areas. Safety indicators show elevated crime density and HPD violation rates, though transit access is strong. For families, the trade-off is clear: this neighborhood offers accessibility but requires navigating the realities of a community facing economic hardship.

The area has excellent transit access (85th percentile) and is walkable, with the 2 train and multiple bus lines serving the corridor. Families report the commute is manageable from across the Bronx.