Very Good
#1524 of 4,739 schools in NY
Top 32% in state
MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership
Middle School · NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #12
2055 MAPES AVE, Bronx, NY 10460
Enrollment
245
Student-Teacher
8.2:1
Score
7.1
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
245
Student-Teacher
8.2:1
Score
7.1
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Bronx
#137 of 450
public schools
New York middle schools
#175 of 785
In district
#10 of 46
NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #12
School environment
8.6 / 10
Exceptional
About MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership
MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership is a middle school in the Bronx, serving students from sixth to eighth grade. The school has an enrollment of 245 students and maintains a favorable student-to-teacher ratio of 8.2:1 with 30 full-time equivalent teachers. Located at 2055 Mapes Avenue, MS 129 is situated in the heart of New York City, offering a dynamic urban setting for education.
The school has a MySchoolScout rating of 4.6 out of 10 and ranks 3135th out of 4758 schools across New York State. Academically, students demonstrate proficiency rates of 45% in ELA/reading and 27% in math, with room for improvement in these key areas. MS 129 Academy is a vibrant part of the city's educational landscape, providing a supportive environment for young learners to grow and develop their skills.
What Parents Should Know
With a student-teacher ratio of 8.2:1, MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership — Students at MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership score 37% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
94.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NY NYSED (2020-21)
Based on 10 test records from NY state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.1/10.
How MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership Compares
See how MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 32% (2019) to 27% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 34% (2019) to 47% (2021).
Location
2055 MAPES AVE, Bronx, NY 10460
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. JHS 118 WILLIAM W NILES (rated 8.7/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is FREDERICK DOUGLASS ACADEMY V MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 6.8/10, 0.2 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, KNOWLEDGE AND POWER PREPARATORY ACADEMY III (rated 5.9/10), a more accessible option. For more schools in Bronx, see our Bronx schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 0.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| KNOWLEDGE AND POWER PREPARATORY ACADEMY III Bronx | 0.0 mi | 5.9 |
| SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND APPLIED LEARNING (THE) Bronx | 0.0 mi | 7.2 |
| PS 67 MOHEGAN SCHOOL Bronx | 0.2 mi | 6.9 |
| COLIBRI COMMUNITY SCHOOL (THE) Bronx | 0.2 mi | 5.0 |
| PS 57 CRESCENT Bronx | 0.2 mi | 5.8 |
| FREDERICK DOUGLASS ACADEMY V MIDDLE SCHOOL Bronx | 0.2 mi | 6.8 |
| PS 211 Bronx | 0.2 mi | 6.0 |
| CHILDREN'S AID COLLEGE PREPARATORY CHARTER SCHOOL Bronx | 0.2 mi | 4.7 |
| BRONX STEM AND ARTS ACADEMY (THE) Bronx | 0.3 mi | 3.7 |
| PS 188 Bronx | 0.3 mi | 7.0 |
| PS 44 DAVID C FARRAGUT Bronx | 0.3 mi | 3.7 |
| CARDINAL MCCLOSKEY COMMUNITY CHARTER SCHOOL Bronx | 0.4 mi | 4.3 |
| PS 32 BELMONT Bronx | 0.4 mi | 6.1 |
| PS 6 WEST FARMS Bronx | 0.4 mi | 6.0 |
| ZETA CHARTER SCHOOL - BRONXTREMONT PARK Bronx | 0.4 mi | 7.2 |
| JHS 118 WILLIAM W NILES Bronx | 0.4 mi | 8.7 |
| VIDA BOGART SCHOOL FOR ALL CHILDREN (THE) Bronx | 0.4 mi | 7.2 |
| PS 3 RAUL JULIA MICRO SOCIETY Bronx | 0.4 mi | 3.9 |
| IS 318 MATH SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY THROUGH ARTS Bronx | 0.5 mi | 5.0 |
| PROVIDING URBAN LEARNERS SUCCESS IN EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL Bronx | 0.4 mi | 6.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 10460 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$36,067
Median Home Value
$589,300
Median Rent
$1,332/mo
Population
61,101
College Educated
15.2%
Homeownership
10.7%
Avg Commute
47 min
Poverty Rate
33.9%
Median Age
34.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership has a median household income of $36,067. It is a community where 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $589,300, with a median rent of $1,332/month. The area has a poverty rate of 33.9%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute in the area is 47 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| CATHERINE & COUNT BASIE MIDDLE SCHOOL 72 Jamaica, NY | 7.1 |
| GOWANDA MIDDLE SCHOOL Gowanda, NY | 7.1 |
| IS 229 ROLAND PATTERSON Bronx, NY | 7.1 |
| IS 313 SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Bronx, NY | 7.1 |
| JHS 131 ALBERT EINSTEIN Bronx, NY | 7.1 |
| REDWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL Jamaica, NY | 7.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership
What grades does MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership serve?
MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership?
MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership has an enrollment of approximately 245 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership?
The student-teacher ratio at MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership is 8.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership rank in NY?
MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership is ranked #1524 out of 4,739 schools in NY.
What is MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership's MySchoolScout rating?
MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership has a composite rating of 7.1 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership has 26.8% math proficiency and 45.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership a charter school?
No, MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership a Title I school?
No, MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership?
94.7% of students at MS 129 Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR. County-level only.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 245
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 8.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 30
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 94.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Bronx County
- Phone
- (718) 933-5976
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #12- District Enrollment
- 17,376
- Schools in District
- 47
- District Rank
- #10 of 46
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
- Best Public Schools in New York 2026: Top Districts from NYC to the Suburbsbest schools
- Best Schools in New York, NY — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best States for Public Schools in 2026: A Complete Rankingdata insights
- Charter Schools vs Public Schools: What the Data Actually Shows (2026)school choice
- Student-Teacher Ratio by State: Complete 2026 Rankingsdata insights
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.