Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social Change

Test scores here have been climbing faster than almost any school in District 5 — math proficiency went from 27.5% in 2023 to 49.5% in 2025, and ELA improved from 33% to 46.8% over the same period. That said, both metrics still sit slightly below the district averages (53.9% ELA, 50.7% math), meaning students are catching up but not yet outperforming peers district-wide. The middle grades (especially Grade 8 math at 65.1%) show what's possible when instruction clicks, while high school scores indicate room for continued acceleration. With an overall quality score of 1.93 out of 4, this is a school on the rise but not yet at the top of the district.

Here's what stands out: 95% of parents are satisfied, 96% trust the teachers, and 99% of teachers trust the principal. Those numbers are extraordinary — far above district averages. There's also been zero suspensions, which suggests the school relies on restorative practices rather than exclusionary discipline. The catch is attendance: chronic absenteeism sits at a concerning 61.5%, with Hispanic students (69.2%) and females (66.7%) missing the most school. This disconnect between high trust and spotty attendance suggests the school's climate works well for families who are engaged, but may struggle to pull in families facing logistical or stability challenges.

The student body is predominantly Black (64%) and Hispanic (30%), reflecting the surrounding Central Harlem neighborhood. With 86% economic need and 28% IEP students, this is a high-needs population that the school serves well on climate metrics despite academic gaps. The diversity index of 48% is moderate — the school is less diverse than some Manhattan peers but more diverse than the district's charter schools. Families here are clearly invested: 73% family survey response rate and the screened admissions process (514 applicants for 85 seats) indicate strong interest.

Central Harlem is a neighborhood with deep cultural history and strong community networks, but it's not without challenges. The safety score of just 1.53 out of 100 reflects real concerns families should discuss. On the plus side, transit access is exceptional (95.79) — this is one of the most connected neighborhoods in the city for getting around without a car. Family density is also very high (95.79), meaning lots of children in the area, though homeownership is low (12.6%) and poverty rates run at 25.5%. The area has seen rapid gentrification, which means some families may find shifting neighborhood dynamics a factor.

Very walkable with excellent subway access, though safety concerns mean families should consider commute logistics and after-school schedules carefully