University Prep Charter Middle School

ELA proficiency at 56.9% puts this school above the District 7 average of 51.3%, a meaningful gap in a district where most schools hover around the low-to-mid 50s. Math at 44.3% trails the district average of 49%, though the trajectory is striking—math proficiency has climbed from just 10.1% in 2022 to 44.3% in 2025, a 34-point jump in three years. The grade-level breakdown shows older students thriving: 8th graders hit 66.1% ELA proficiency and 7th graders nearly match that at 57.8% with a standout 59.6% in math. Younger students in grades 5-6, for which I don't have detailed data, may be the group where the school is still building its academic foundation. The overall 2.02/4 score sits essentially even with the district average of 2.01, placing this school in the middle of District 7's performance range.

The survey data tells a striking story: parents give near-perfect scores (99% satisfaction, 99% trust in teachers and principal), and teachers rate instruction quality at 89%. These are exceptional numbers. However, teacher collegial trust sits lower at 76%, and there's no visible discipline or safety data provided—which parents should ask about. The attendance rate of 95.2% is strong for District 7, where schools average 91.1%. But chronic absenteeism at 88.3% is a major red flag—this means nearly 9 in 10 students are missing 10% or more of the school year, which undermines learning even when the school gets high marks on other dimensions.

The student body reflects the neighborhood's demographics: 54% Hispanic, 41% Black, with very small percentages of white and multi-racial students. Nearly a quarter (22%) of students have IEPs, and 84.4% come from economically disadvantaged households—significantly higher than many Bronx schools. The diversity index of 50% indicates moderate demographic variety within the school, though the population is predominantly Black and Hispanic. This is a school serving families who face substantial economic hardship, and the high economic need index (84.4%) should frame expectations about the resources and support systems families may need.

Mott Haven-Port Morris is one of the highest-poverty neighborhoods in New York City, with a median household income of just $29,110 and 40% of residents living below the poverty line. Only 12% of households have children, and just 6% own homes—the neighborhood is heavily rental and transient. Education attainment is low (only 12% have bachelor's degrees), meaning many parents may be navigating the school system without the social capital that helps elsewhere. The safety score of 16.86 is among the lowest in the city, and environmental health concerns are real: asthma emergency department rates are 75.5 per 1,000, and 12% of children have elevated lead levels. On the plus side, transit access (48.28) is moderate, and there's some neighborhood stability (66.67).

Families from across the South Bronx and surrounding areas typically commute here; the area is served by subway and bus lines, though parents should factor in travel time given the neighborhood's transit rank.