P.S. 28 Mount Hope

Located in the Tremont section of the Bronx in a four-story building constructed in 1897, PS 28 Mount Hope is a neighborhood elementary school that has long struggled with administrative issues, low test scores and other problems.

PS 28 faces some tough issues, with up to a quarter of its student in temporary housing, which may partially explain the high rate of student absenteeism. Teachers express concern about the safety of the surrounding neighborhood. 

The school offers extra academic help for students who need it. A large percentage of students are learning to speak English and many have special needs. To engage its children, PS 28 has partnerships with a wide array of organizations and individuals, including the local City Councilmember, Montefiore Hospital, a theater group and a club that promotes running. The school also offers extracurricular activities, such as student council, basketball and chess. 

Responses to a Department of Education survey, though, indicate that PS 28 could be doing more to meet its challenges. A large percentage of teachers said they do not think long-time principal Stephen Beckles is an effective manager and don’t trust him. Many do not trust their fellow teachers either. 

Scores on the state standardized tests are about average for the community school district but well below the city average. Scores for English language learners and students with disabilities are particularly low.

SPECIAL EDUCATION: A quarter of students at PS 28 have Individualized Educational Plans. More than half of these children spend most of their week in small self-contained classes, although the school also has team teaching classes with a mix of general and special education students.

ADMISSIONS: Zoned school. (Gail Robinson, from DOE records, June 2020.)