The New American Academy at Roberto Clemente State Park

The New American Academy at Roberto Clemente State Park (PS 274) is an elementary school in the Bronx, serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade. It operates on a distinctive educational model featuring large, open classrooms where groups of 60 students are taught by a team of four teachers, including a special education specialist. The school employs a "looping" system, allowing teachers to stay with students as they advance through grades, fostering strong relationships within the school community. Located adjacent to Roberto Clemente State Park, the school utilizes the park for physical education and after-school activities. The school also offers a dual language program in Spanish. While state test scores for English Language Arts (26% proficiency) and Math (15% proficiency) are well below citywide medians, parent sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with surveys indicating 98-100% satisfaction with their child's education. Parents describe a warm and welcoming atmosphere, highlighting the patience and collaborative approach of the teachers. The school maintains a 0% suspension rate, contributing to a calm and supportive environment. It serves a high proportion of students with Individualized Education Programs (32%), which is above the citywide 75th percentile.