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South Bronx Classical Charter School I

Grades: K-8
Noteworthy
977 Fox Street
Bronx NY 10459
Phone: 718-860-4340

Our Insights

What’s Special

Students study Latin and learn to debate

The Downside

Above average suspension rate; strict behavior code may not appeal to some

South Bronx Classical is a high-performing charter school where students study Latin, learn to debate and have multiple math and English lessons each day. Part of a small charter school network, South Bronx Classical has a school day and school year that are longer than in traditional public schools. Class size is small with 20 students or less, even in the upper grades.

The school delivers on its classical theme. Latin instruction begins in 3rd grade; debate classes start in 5th grade. There’s a heavy emphasis on learning facts and honing skills and by middle school, students tackle challenging work and have an impressive command of history. We observed 7th-graders who were parsing a section of "Mein Kampf" and at ease drawing on detailed historical references such as the Treaty of Versailles and the Austro-Hungarian Empire in response to the teacher’s questions.

The tone is orderly and formal. Children wear uniforms and must adhere to a strict behavior code. The upside is that little time is wasted in transitions between lessons; the drawback is that the school has an above-average suspension rate. When listening to the teacher, children are expected to sit up straight with hands folded on the desk; a student may be admonished for behavior such eye-rolling or that’s interpreted to be sulking, whining or talking back. Repeat offenders will face tougher consequences, such as suspension.

Classroom instruction is mostly traditional, with students sitting in rows listening to the teacher deliver a lesson, though we saw some instances of group work. Kindergarten is very academic. In one class we observed the teacher worked with a small group of students, while a few others gathered around an easel to work on sentences and the rest worked independently at computers or read books at their desks, arranged neatly in rows.

The school day runs longer than in traditional public schools and is packed with instruction. For instance, in the elementary grades English is taught across several lessons, with grammar, writing, read aloud, guided reading and close reading (analyzing text for meaning) dispersed throughout the schedule. Students have a traditional skills-focused math lesson and one dedicated to word problems each day. Starting in 6th grade, students are grouped by skill level for math, grammar and textual analysis (similar to close reading).

Art, music and gym are provided in all grades.

Located in the Longwood neighborhood, a couple of blocks from the nearest subway station, South Bronx Classical shares a building with IS 217, School of Performing Arts, Accion Academy and the New York Center for Autism Charter School Bronx. 

Students may participate in after-school activities such as sports, yoga, music and art.

SPECIAL EDUCATION: A special education teacher and several learning specialists work with children individually and in small groups.

ADMISSIONS: Admissions is by lottery. Priority is given to District 12 residents. (Laura Zingmond, April 2017; updated via web reports, January 2020)

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School Stats

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

Is this school safe and well-run?

From the 2022-2023 NYC School Survey

How many students say they feel safe in the hallways, bathrooms and locker rooms?
84%
80% Citywide Average
How many students think bullying happens most or all of the time at this school?
43%
56% Citywide Average
How many teachers say the principal is an effective manager?
91%
78% Citywide Average
How many teachers say they would recommend this school to other families?
78%
79% Citywide Average

From the 2019-20 NY State Report Card

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

From 2023 End-of-year Attendance and Chronic Absenteeism Report

How many teachers have 3 or more years of experience teaching?
49%
83% Citywide Average
Years of principal experience at this school
1.0

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?
98%
53% Citywide Average
How many elementary school students scored 3-4 on the state reading exam?
86%
50% Citywide Average
How many middle school students scored 3-4 on the state math exam?
100%
52% Citywide Average
How many middle school students scored 3-4 on the state reading exam?
92%
57% Citywide Average

From the 2022-23 School Quality Guide

How many 8th-graders earn high school credit?
96%
91% Citywide Average

Who does this school serve?

From the 2022-23 Demographic Snapshot

Enrollment
499
Asian
3%
Black
36%
Hispanic
58%
White
2%
Other
1%
Free or reduced priced lunch
87%
Students with disabilities
16%
English language learners
15%

From the 2022-23 School Quality Guide

Average daily attendance
95%
91% Citywide Average
How many students miss 18 or more days of school?
8%
35% Citywide Average

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?
92%
27% Citywide Average
How many students with disabilities scored 3-4 on the state reading exam?
69%
21% Citywide Average
How many English language learners scored 3-4 on the state math exam?
79%
17% Citywide Average
How many English language learners scored 3-4 on the state reading exam?
71%
12% Citywide Average


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

Contact & Location

Location

Longwood (District 12)
Trains: 2 Line, 5 Line to Simpson St; 6 Line to Hunts Point Ave
Buses: Bx4, Bx4A, Bx5, Bx6, Bx6-SBS, Bx11, Bx19, Bx27, Bx35

Contact

Principal
Erin Linnehan

Other Details

Shared campus?
Yes
This school shares the building with the School of Performing Arts and Accion Academy
Metal detectors?
No

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