Bronx Charter School for Children

Bronx Charter School for Children in the Mott Haven area, is one of the city’s older charter schools. Although it had problems in its early days, it now seems to be a well-run, stable place offering a somewhat traditional education to students in the South Bronx. 

The school stresses frequent academic assessments for its students and homework every day, and holds an annual spirit week tied to state standardized tests. While English language arts scores are about average, the school has long struggled with low math scores.

In addition to academic basics, children take art, music, physical education and technology. A long school day, running from 8 am to 4 pm, helps accommodate all this.

Teachers in a Department of Education survey gave principal  Denise Alexander high marks for respecting them and being a good manager. The teacher also applauded their students, for being good listeners, participating in class discussions and doing their work. Attendance is high but the suspension rate is well above average for the city.

Bronx Charter has expanded its original building, which now includes more spaces designed for small group learning, a gymnasium, a music room, art studio and technology lab. 

SPECIAL EDUCATION: Bronx Charter offers special education services as well as team teaching classes, with a mix of general and special needs children. 

ADMISSIONS: Students are selected in a lottery, with preference given to siblings of current students and residents of District 7. The school also has seats set aside for children with disabilities, for low-income students and for those whose families receive government assistance. (Gail Robinson, website and DOE reports, May 2020)