Original Research by School Decision on Emblaze Academy Charter School
Emblaze Academy Charter School is a middle school serving grades five through eight in the Bronx. The enrollment is small, composed overwhelmingly of Hispanic and Black students. The school was authorized by the New York State Board of Regents and has operated continuously; it received a three-year charter renewal in April 2026, confirming its status as an ongoing enrollment option through roughly 2029. As part of that renewal, the state approved a decrease in authorized enrollment, a move that reflects an earlier pattern—the school also faced an enrollment reduction during its first renewal in 2023. For families considering a seat, this means the school operates under a capped enrollment cap set by the state, which affects lottery availability.
Academic performance data from state testing was not available, so the school's proficiency levels on those measures cannot be characterized here. A parent weighing this school may want to contact the school directly or review its accountability materials with the state to understand student outcomes in reading and math.
The school faces a notable challenge with chronic absenteeism. The reported rate places it in the bottom quartile among Bronx County's districts. Chronic absenteeism—defined as missing ten percent or more of school days—is linked to academic progress and engagement, and this metric suggests that attendance patterns at Emblaze are a concern relative to other schools in the county. A parent should ask the school what strategies it uses to address attendance and what support it offers families working to keep students present.
Per-pupil spending at Emblaze is in the upper range for Bronx County districts, reflecting the economics of operating a small charter school. The school reports spending substantially more per student than the county median, a pattern common in charter schools with lower total enrollments across which fixed costs are spread.
Free-or-reduced-price lunch eligibility data and the counts of students with IEPs and English learners were not reported, creating a gap in the picture of economic need and the breadth of support services. A family with a student receiving special education services or language support should inquire directly about how those services are staffed and delivered. The student body composition—overwhelmingly Hispanic and Black, with very few white or Asian students—is a plain characteristic; whether that peer environment aligns with a family's own preferences is a personal choice.
The school's grade band of five through eight means it does not report a high school graduation rate, which is not applicable to this entity. For students finishing eighth grade, the transition pathway to high school would depend on where they enroll next, typically a Bronx high school outside this charter's authority.
In summary, Emblaze is a small, authorized charter serving middle grades in the Bronx with a stable three-year renewal in place. State testing results are absent from this profile, attendance presents a documented concern, and families considering enrollment should seek direct answers about academic outcomes, special services, and the school's approach to chronic absenteeism.
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