Academy of Public Relations

The Academy of Public Relations is a small middle school (grades 6-8) in the South Bronx, known for fostering self-esteem through articulate communication, public speaking, and reflection. It emphasizes real-world learning experiences and culturally relevant instruction. The school maintains an "Excellent" rating for safety and school climate, with a very low suspension rate and high student reports of feeling safe in school common areas. Relationships with families are also rated "Excellent," supported by overwhelmingly positive parent survey responses and reports of strong parent-staff rapport. The school serves a diverse student body, including significant populations of English Language Learners and students with disabilities, and offers a transitional bilingual program. While the school is dedicated to providing comprehensive student support, including dedicated counselors and a Social Emotional Center for Wellness, academic proficiency in both ELA and Math is well below citywide medians. The school's instruction and performance rating is "Needs Improvement," though teachers generally view the principal as an effective manager. The campus features a new library, music studio, and schoolyard, and offers a variety of sports and afterschool programs.