I.S. X303 Leadership & Community Service

I.S. X303 Leadership & Community Service, located in the Bronx, is widely regarded as a nurturing middle school, with students and staff affectionately calling it the “penthouse to heaven.” It has built a reputation as a safe haven within its community, fostering an atmosphere described as structured yet kind. The school is actively pursuing International Baccalaureate (IB) candidacy, aiming to provide a rigorous, globally-minded education that prepares students for high school and beyond. A strong emphasis is placed on leadership and community service, supported by programs like Advisory, Social Emotional Learning, and partnerships with community organizations. The school receives excellent ratings for its safety, school climate, and relationships with families, with parent surveys showing overwhelmingly positive feedback. While the school offers a notable amount of accelerated coursework, well above the citywide median, its ELA and Math proficiency rates are at or below the citywide 25th percentile. Parents and observers note a dedicated teaching staff, though some resource limitations, such as a lack of textbooks and limited music offerings, have been observed. Student survey data indicates that bullying is a concern for a significant portion of the student body. The school also provides diverse non-academic activities, including Culture Day, Career Day, Leadership Day, and participation in plays.