A Middle School Worth the Quick Trip from the South Bronx

We hear from South Bronx families every year: “We love our neighborhood, but we want more for our child’s middle school years.” St HOPE Leadership Academy is a short subway ride from Mott Haven, Melrose, Port Morris, and Hunts Point and we also offer a free door-to-door bus service for students in the South Bronx. We are a tuition-free public charter school built specifically for grades 6 through 8.

Free bus service from the South Bronx

We offer a free bus service for students commuting to St HOPE Leadership Academy from the South Bronx. This private bus service stops at ten locations throughout the southern part of the borough to provide families with a simple, safe and quick way to get to and from school.

A quick commute from the South Bronx

Our doors at 222 West 134th Street are closer to the South Bronx than most families realize.

• From Mott Haven (3rd Ave / 138th St on the 6): four stops to 125th St, then a 10-minute walk west — about 20 minutes door to door.
• From Melrose and 161st St area: ride the 4 or 5 south to 125th St, walk west.
• From Port Morris and Hunts Point: 6 train to 125th St, then walk west or transfer to the 2 or 3 to 135th St.
• Average door-to-door commute: 15 to 30 minutes from most South Bronx blocks.

What South Bronx families tell us they’re looking for

Families come to us with a similar set of priorities. They want smaller class sizes and personalized attention. They want a single-site school where their child won’t get lost. They want a strong academic culture without the pressure-cooker reputation of some of the larger networks. They want a non-religious public option — because, despite our name, St HOPE is not a Catholic school. And they want a school that welcomes transfer students, including mid-year if the timing calls for it.

Why St HOPE works for Bronx families

• Grades 6-8 only. Middle school is our entire focus.
• Free public charter school. No tuition, no enrollment fees.
• Single building. A smaller community where your child is known by name.
• Active outreach to Bronx families. We welcome transfer applications and tour Bronx families regularly.
• A real alternative. Many of our students arrive after a year in a larger network or a crowded zoned school. We are intentionally different.

Frequently asked questions

Come see our school

We host tours throughout the school year and are happy to schedule one around your family’s commute. A morning visit during the school day is the best way to get a sense of whether we’re the right fit for your family.