Image © Google

Bronx Charter School for Better Learning II

Grades K-5 · 2545 GUNTHER AVENUE · Bronx

NYSHERIA, Principal · 718-655-6660

84X484Charter

About

Bronx Charter School for Better Learning II, serving students in Kindergarten through 5th grade, is known for its distinctive educational philosophy, the "Subordination of Teaching to Learning." This approach, developed by Dr. Caleb Gattegno, emphasizes multi-sensory methods, such as color-coded charts and Cuisenaire rods for mathematics and "Words in Color" for reading, fostering independence and a sustained love of learning. The school demonstrates strong academic performance, with ELA proficiency rates well above the citywide median and math proficiency near the median. A notable strength is its 0% suspension rate, indicating a highly supportive and well-managed environment. Parents express overwhelmingly positive sentiment, with nearly all survey respondents reporting satisfaction with the education and a strong sense of community. The faculty is widely regarded as professional and caring, contributing to a consistent learning experience. Beyond core academics, the school offers weekly social-emotional learning classes, exposure to Korean language and culture for younger students, and hands-on science experiences in specialized laboratories.

Sources (13)

Academics

State test proficiency rates and acceleration.

ELA proficiency

62%

Math proficiency

54%

Proficiency rates are from the Grade 3–8 NYS state test (school-level).

Attendance rate

—

Avg class size (general ed)

—

Avg class size (ICT)

—

Community & climate

Demographics, attendance, school survey results, and DOE quality ratings.

Quality signals

FacultyExcellentAI-estimated

Parent survey · overall positive

90%100% response rate

Teacher survey · overall positive

84%66% response rate

Survey topics

Safety88%city 89%

My students are safe…outside around this school.95%
My students are safe…traveling between home and this school.90%
My students are safe…in the hallways, bathrooms, locker rooms, and cafeteria of this school.91%
My students are safe…in my class(es).95%
Conflicts are resolved fairly in my school.68%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (88%) is their average, vs 89% citywide.

Bullying prevention70%city 42%

At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate other students.70%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (70%) is their average, vs 42% citywide.

Emotional support82%city 84%

How many adults at this school…help students develop the skills they need to complete challenging coursework despite obstacles?.83%
How many adults at this school…tell their students they believe they can achieve high academic standards?.91%
How many adults at this school…teach students how to advocate for themselves?.79%
How many adults at this school…recognize disruptive behavior as social-emotional learning opportunities?.75%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (82%) is their average, vs 84% citywide.

Academic expectations81%city 87%

In this school, the staff believes that all students can learn, including English language learners (ELLs), Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLLs), and students with disabilities.92%
How many students in your classes…have to work hard to do well?.70%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (81%) is their average, vs 87% citywide.

College & career guidance100%city 90%

It’s a priority at this school that adults…provide students with guidance on the high school application process.100%
It’s a priority at this school that adults…provide families with guidance on the high school application process.100%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (100%) is their average, vs 90% citywide.

Family outreach96%city 94%

At this school…teachers understand families' challenges and concerns.96%
At this school…teachers work closely with families to meet students' needs.91%
At this school…staff regularly communicate with families about how they can help students learn.100%
At this school…school staff value families' race, ethnicity, culture, family structure, and background.100%
School staff regularly communicate with me about how I can help my child learn.93%
Teachers work closely with me to meet my child's needs.94%
My child's school communicates with me in a language that I can understand.99%
I am greeted warmly when I contact or visit the school.99%
My child's school will make me aware if there are any concerns about my child’s social or emotional well-being.95%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (96%) is their average, vs 94% citywide.

Parent–teacher trust98%city 95%

I feel respected by my child's teachers.99%
Staff at this school work hard to build trusting relationships with parents/guardians like me.96%
My child's teachers treat me as a partner in educating my child.98%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (98%) is their average, vs 95% citywide.

Show all survey topics

Rigorous Instruction

Strong Core Instruction94%city 92%

In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…reading and writing experiences grounded in evidence from text, both literary and informational. [ELA].100%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to interact with complex grade-level text and tasks. [ELA].100%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage with texts and tasks reflective of their diverse racial, cultural, and linguistic perspective. [ELA].100%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage in meaningful discussion that critically examines topics that connect to the daily lives of students. [ELA].100%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…focusing deeply on the concepts emphasized in the standards to help students build strong foundations for learning. [ELA].100%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to interact with complex grade-level text and tasks. [Math].100%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage with texts and tasks reflective of their diverse racial, cultural, and linguistic perspective. [Math].67%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage in meaningful discussion that critically examines topics that connect to the daily lives of students. [Math].78%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…focusing deeply on the concepts emphasized in the standards to help students build strong foundations for learning. [Math].100%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (94%) is their average, vs 92% citywide.

Quality of Student Discussion61%city 67%

How many students in your classes…build on each other’s ideas during class discussions?.71%
How many students in your classes…use data or text references to support their ideas?.46%
How many students in your classes…show that they respect each other’s ideas?.67%
How many students in your classes…provide constructive feedback to their peers/teachers?.54%
How many students in your classes…participate in class discussions at some point?.67%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (61%) is their average, vs 67% citywide.

Collaborative Teachers

Cultural Awareness and Inclusive Classroom Instruction94%city 92%

I am able to...receive support around how to incorporate students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds in my practice.96%
I am able to...modify instructional activities and materials to meet the developmental needs and learning interests of all my students.96%
I am able to...ensure instruction represents multiple perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds.96%
I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple genders, gender identities and expressions and sexual orientations.95%
I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple races and ethnicities.100%
I am able to...design appropriate instruction that is matched to students' need (e.g. English language learners (ELLs) or Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLLs) proficiency and students with disabilities).92%
I am able to...apply my knowledge of parents' various cultural backgrounds when collaborating with them regarding their child's educational progress.92%
I am able to...develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs for my students with disabilities.92%
I am able to...monitor progress on Individualized Education Program goals for my students with disabilities.96%
I am able to...distinguish linguistic/cultural differences from learning difficulties.100%
I have conversations about race and racism at my school that help me examine my own beliefs around identity.80%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (94%) is their average, vs 92% citywide.

Peer Collaboration92%city 87%

At this school…the principal/school leader, teachers, and staff collaborate to make this school run effectively.91%
At this school…teachers design instructional programs (e.g. lessons, units) together.100%
At this school…teachers make a conscious effort to coordinate their teaching with instruction at other grade levels.86%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (92%) is their average, vs 87% citywide.

Quality of Professional Development90%city 82%

Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...included enough time to think carefully about, try, and evaluate new ideas.87%
Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...Included opportunities to engage in inquiry-based, professional collaboration with peers and/or mentors from other schools.92%
Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...directly related to my students’ needs.92%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (90%) is their average, vs 82% citywide.

Innovation and Collective Responsibility78%city 79%

How many teachers at this school…help build a welcoming school environment in the entire school, not just their classroom?.76%
How many teachers at this school…are actively trying to improve their teaching?.84%
How many teachers at this school…take responsibility for improving the school?.76%
How many teachers at this school…are eager to try new ideas?.64%
How many teachers at this school…feel responsible that all students learn?.88%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (78%) is their average, vs 79% citywide.

School Commitment76%city 83%

I usually look forward to each working day at this school.72%
I would recommend this school to parents/guardians seeking a place for their child.84%
I would recommend this school to other teachers as a place to work.72%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (76%) is their average, vs 83% citywide.

Supportive Environment

Classroom Behavior55%city 66%

How many students in your classes…listen carefully when the teacher gives directions?.46%
How many students in your classes…follow the rules in class?.58%
How many students in your classes…respond to challenging questions in class?.46%
How many students in your classes…do their work when they are supposed to?.70%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (55%) is their average, vs 66% citywide.

Effective School Leadership

Inclusive Leadership95%city 95%

The principal/school leader at this school…puts decisions made with families into action.93%
The principal/school leader at this school…works to create a sense of community in the school.96%
The principal/school leader at this school…ensures families are comfortable communicating with the school.95%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (95%) is their average, vs 95% citywide.

Program Coherence88%city 83%

At this school…once we start a new program, we follow up to make sure that it’s working.87%
At this school…it is clear how all of the programs offered are connected to our school’s instructional vision.87%
At this school…curriculum, instruction, and learning materials are well coordinated across the different grade levels at this school.91%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (88%) is their average, vs 83% citywide.

Instructional Leadership87%city 86%

The principal/school leader at this school...makes clear to the staff their expectations for meeting instructional goals.92%
The principal/school leader at this school...understands how children learn.96%
The principal/school leader at this school...sets high standards for student learning.92%
The principal/school leader at this school...participates in instructional planning with teams of teachers.79%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…supports teachers in implementing what they have learned in professional development.96%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…carefully tracks student academic progress.88%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…knows what’s going on in my classes.78%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…provides teachers with formative feedback to improve practice.92%
How many adults at this school…have access to school-based supports to assist in behavioral/emotional escalations?.70%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (87%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.

Teacher Influence62%city 66%

At this school…the principal/school leader encourages feedback through regular meetings with families and teacher leaders.96%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...hiring new professional personnel?.33%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...planning how discretionary school funds should be used?.25%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...selecting instructional materials and/or curriculum used in classrooms?.92%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...setting standards for student behavior?.62%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (62%) is their average, vs 66% citywide.

Strong Family-Community Ties

Strong Relationships94%city 90%

At this school, my child receives what they need to achieve their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goal(s). [Families of students with IEPs].94%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (94%) is their average, vs 90% citywide.

Parent Involvement in School68%city 63%

Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…communicated with your child's teachers about your child's performance?.97%
Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…seen your child’s projects, artwork, homework, tests, or quizzes?.99%
I know how to contact the Parent Coordinator at my child’s school.8%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (68%) is their average, vs 63% citywide.

Trust

Parent-Principal Trust96%city 94%

I feel respected by my child's principal/school leader.97%
I trust the principal/school leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).97%
The principal/school leader is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.95%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (96%) is their average, vs 94% citywide.

Teacher-Teacher Trust91%city 86%

Teachers in this school trust each other.88%
It's OK in this school to discuss feelings, worries, and frustrations with other teachers.92%
I feel respected by other teachers at this school.92%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (91%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.

Teacher-Principal Trust85%city 84%

I feel respected by the principal/school leader at this school.100%
The principal/school leader at this school is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.76%
The principal/school leader has confidence in the expertise of the teachers at this school.84%
I trust the principal/school leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).80%
The principal/school leader looks out for the personal welfare of the staff members.76%
The principal/school leader places the needs of children ahead of personal interests.96%
The principal and assistant principals function as a cohesive unit.84%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (85%) is their average, vs 84% citywide.

Overall positive % is averaged across every Pos/Neg survey question per respondent group (school year 2023-2024). Survey topics are the DOE’s framework measures (each the average favorable response across its questions; expand a topic to see them and the citywide average); the dimension scores themselves are no longer in the public data file.^[3]

Operational health

Attendance

—

Chronic absenteeism

36%

Suspension rate

Teachers^[7]

Teachers with 4+ years' experience

46%

Students per teacher

17:1

Teaching out of certification

25%

Teacher experience and certification from the NYSED School Report Card (2024–25); students per teacher = enrollment ÷ reported teachers. Fewer than 4 years counts as inexperienced.

Student body

Race / ethnicity^[4]

Asian 1%
Black 81%
Hispanic 14%
White 1%
Multiracial 1%

School-level totals; may not sum to 100% due to rounding and small subgroup suppression.

Gender^[4]

Female 47%
Male 53%

Female / male shares as published by the DOE; other gender identities aren’t reported in the source data.

Enrollment

417

Economic Need Index

77%

Free / reduced lunch

82%

English learners

Students with IEPs

12%

Location & commute

Where the school is and how to get there.

Get directions ↗

Loading map…