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Linden Tree Elementary School, PS 567

Grades: Pre-K, K-5
1560 Purdy Street
Bronx NY 10462
Phone: 718-239-7401

Our Insights

What’s Special

Focus on science; warm, nurturing environment

The Downside

Many students are chronically absent

Linden Tree is a small, nurturing elementary school founded in 2012. In 2017 it received a five-year magnet grant aimed at attracting students of diverse backgrounds from outside the school’s zone. The grant has funded a complete overhaul of the school’s curriculum as well as lots of new activities and supports for students. In service of its new magnet status, the school adopted a longer name: Linden Tree Elementary Magnet School for Global Leaders of Innovation and Discovery. 

The tone throughout the school is cheery and sweet. In some classes we visited, soft music played as children worked quietly on a task. Teachers find ways to get children up and moving around. In a 1st grade lesson on wind, children stood up and mimicked the different intensities of a breeze, gust, etc. by waving their arms in the air. Fourth- and 5th-graders showed us a mindfulness hand game they play with a partner to help them stay sharp and focused throughout the day.

As part of the magnet grant, Linden Tree adopted EL Education model (formerly called expeditionary learning). Students in all grades participate in multi-week-long themed studies or “modules” that weave in lessons across all subjects. Teachers we spoke with at the school said the EL approach helps build content knowledge as well as reading and writing skills. Students spend the first half of a module learning the content whether it’s about birds, bridges or hurricanes. They spend the second half writing and completing projects based on what they learned.

There’s a strong emphasis on science. For instance, First-graders study the sun, moon and stars. As a class they read books on the subject and learn about the impact of light pollution on ecosystems and why in the Bronx you don’t see many stars during nighttime. By 5th grade, students tackle more complex topics such as biodiversity and the impact of natural disasters. Teachers schedule field trips that tie into their lessons. For instance, when students study birds or ecosystems they go to zoos and botanical gardens.

In grades 3 though 5, there are separate teachers for math/science and reading/social studies, which is uncommon in elementary school where one teacher typically teaches all subjects. This approach allows teachers to gain expertise in their subject area.

Change can be hard. Test scores dipped as it took some time for teachers and students to adjust to the new curriculum. While parents are happy with the school’s leadership, there is friction between teachers and the principal, based on responses to the annual school survey. Founding principal, Lisa Debonis said the changes are now taking hold and she is working with her staff to address teachers’ concerns.

Students study art in the school’s well-equipped art room as well as music and dance and show off their talents in numerous performances throughout the school year.

One challenge for the school: A lot of children are chronically absent, meaning they miss more than 18 days of school each year; many live in temporary housing. The parent coordinator visits shelters to connect with parents. The school provides uniforms to children who need them, runs a toy drive to give students holiday gifts and hosts holiday dinners. After school, all students can get work done in the homework lab, a room filled with tables, computers, books and games. Parents and caregivers are welcome to stop by to work with their children too.

Counselors from the Child Mind Institute work with students who have experienced trauma. A visiting dentist provides onsite dental care to students.

Linden Tree has a fee-based after school program run in partnership with Ultimate Enrichment. Vouchers to cover the enrollment fee are accepted for eligible families.

The school shares a building with JHS 127, which many Linden Tree students attend for middle school.

SPECIAL EDUCATION: There are ICT (integrated co-teaching) classes on every grade.

ADMISSIONS: While Linden Tree continues to only admit zoned students in kindergarten, it welcomes new students from across District 11 and the Bronx beginning in the first grade.  (Laura Zingmond, December 2019) 

Read more

School Stats

Citywide Average Key
This school is Better Near Worse than the citywide average

Is this school safe and well-run?

From the 2020-21 NYC School Survey

How many teachers say the principal is an effective manager?
45%
82% Citywide Average

From the 2019-20 NY State Report Card

How many students were suspended?
0%
1% Citywide Average

From this school's most recent Quality Review Report

Are teachers effective?

From the 2021-22 School Quality Guide

How many teachers have 3 or more years of experience teaching?
82%
84% Citywide Average
Years of principal experience at this school
1.1

How do students perform academically?

From the New York State 2022-2023 Assessment Database

How many elementary school students scored 3-4 on the state math exam?
26%
53% Citywide Average
How many elementary school students scored 3-4 on the state reading exam?
24%
50% Citywide Average

What is the Pre-K like?

From the NYC Program Assessment (CLASS and ECERS-R) Database through 2019-2020

Instruction: Teachers ask kids to explain their reasoning when they solve problems
Activities: Children explore art, music, sand/water, dramatic play and more
Language: Teachers talk and listen to kids in a supportive way
Interaction: Teachers ask kids good questions and invite back-and-forth conversation

Who does this school serve?

From the 2022-23 Demographic Snapshot

Enrollment
328
Asian
24%
Black
17%
Hispanic
52%
White
4%
Other
2%
Free or reduced priced lunch
90%
Students with disabilities
19%
English language learners
30%
Pre-K seats
18

From the 2021-22 School Quality Guide

Average daily attendance
88%
90% Citywide Average
How many students miss 18 or more days of school?
48%
40% Citywide Average

From the 2020 School Directories

How does this school serve special populations?

From the New York State 2022-2023 Assessment Database

How many students with disabilities scored 3-4 on the state math exam?
26%
30% Citywide Average
How many students with disabilities scored 3-4 on the state reading exam?
7%
23% Citywide Average
How many English language learners scored 3-4 on the state math exam?
11%
21% Citywide Average
How many English language learners scored 3-4 on the state reading exam?
5%
12% Citywide Average


For more information about our data sources, see About Our Data · More DOE statistics for this school

Contact & Location

Location

Parkchester (District 11)
Trains: 6 Line to Castle Hill Ave
Buses: Bx22, Bx4, Bx40, Bx42, Bx4A, Q44

Contact

Principal
Cynthia Rosario
Parent Coordinator
Maria Centeno

Other Details

Shared campus?
Yes
This school shares a building with JHS 127
Metal detectors?
No

Zone for the 2019-2020 school year. Call school to confirm.

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