The top reported proficiency rate is 85% in Social studies. The lowest is 24% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Ps 152 Evergreen
PS 152 Evergreen is a public elementary school in the South Bronx serving prekindergarten through fifth grade, with a student body that is almost entirely Hispanic and a very substantial share of students from economically disadvantaged households. The school sits within New York City Geographic District 8, which like many city districts has experienced enrollment decline as fewer school-aged residents enter the pipeline and some families choose charter schools instead.
The academic picture at PS 152 is one of uneven performance across grade levels and subjects. In mathematics, third and fourth graders show modest proficiency rates, around the low-to-mid range on state assessments, while fifth grade drops noticeably lower. In English language arts, fourth grade is a particular soft spot, with proficiency well below third and fifth grades; fifth-grade ELA performance, by contrast, is stronger and stands above the midpoint on state tests. Science proficiency in fifth grade is considerably weaker. The school's overall proficiency index places it in the top quartile among other schools in Bronx County, which situates it above many peers in its geographic comparison set, though this reflects the broader context of a county where many schools operate with fewer advantages. A parent should note that state testing data was not provided for prekindergarten through second grade, which are not assessed by the state, so the visible results apply only to grades three through five.
District 8 has rolled out two major curriculum mandates that directly affect how reading and math are taught. Beginning in fall 2024, all elementary schools in the district adopted one of three approved science-of-reading curricula as part of the citywide NYC Reads initiative, replacing the prior system where individual principals selected their own materials. This is a substantial shift in instructional approach and something a family weighing PS 152 would want to understand in detail by asking the school directly which curriculum was selected and how the transition has progressed. The literacy framework now used at the school differs from what older siblings or relatives may recall from earlier years.
The school's enrollment is small for its grade band, and nearly all students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, which reflects the economic profile of the South Bronx neighborhood where the school sits. The Bronx as a whole is in a strong growth phase, particularly for affordable housing, with major projects like Fordham Landing South and the final phases of the La Central development adding thousands of new affordable units. The borough is increasingly walkable and connected by transit, with the pending Penn Access expansion planning to add four new Metro-North stations. Housing values in the zip code show modest upward movement, though the market context remains consistent with a historically affordable area. Unemployment remains steady and median household income citywide is stable.
For families considering PS 152, the key questions are whether the school's particular curriculum choices and instructional approach align with their child's learning style, how the school is supporting students who are not yet proficient in core subjects, and what pathways exist for enrichment or acceleration. The uneven performance across grades and subjects suggests that progression through the school is not linear and that grade placement and teacher match may matter considerably. A visit to the school and conversations with current families would help clarify the lived experience behind these numbers.
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