The Herman Ridder Junior High School is a middle school in the Morrisania section of the Bronx, part of the New York City Department of Education. Constructed in 1929–31, the building is a New York City Landmark Art Deco structure designed by Walter C. Martin.
Serving 102 students in grades 6-8, Junior High School 98 Herman Ridder ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15-19% (which is lower than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the New York state average of 49%).
The student:teacher ratio of 8:1 is lower than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New York state average of 60% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 102 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NY
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Junior High School 98 Herman Ridder ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Junior High School 98 Herman Ridder's student population of 102 students has declined by 60% over five school years.
The teacher population of 13 teachers has declined by 35% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
102 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
13 teachers
Year Founded
1931
School Rankings
Junior High School 98 Herman Ridder ranks within the bottom 50% of all 4,346 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Junior High School 98 Herman Ridder is 0.42, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#4118 out of 4346 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
78%
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
10%
Hispanic
73%
30%
Black
22%
16%
White
1%
40%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
1%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
96%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Junior High School 98 Herman Ridder's ranking?
Junior High School 98 Herman Ridder is ranked #4118 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New York.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
How many students attend Junior High School 98 Herman Ridder?
102 students attend Junior High School 98 Herman Ridder.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of Junior High School 98 Herman Ridder students are Hispanic, 22% of students are Black, 2% of students are Asian, 1% of students are White, 1% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Junior High School 98 Herman Ridder?
Junior High School 98 Herman Ridder has a student ration of 8:1, which is lower than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does Junior High School 98 Herman Ridder offer ?
Junior High School 98 Herman Ridder offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Junior High School 98 Herman Ridder part of?
Junior High School 98 Herman Ridder is part of New York City Geographic District #12 School District.
In what neighborhood is Junior High School 98 Herman Ridder located?
Junior High School 98 Herman Ridder is located in the West Bronx neighborhood of Bronx, NY. There are 61 other public schools located in West Bronx.
School Reviews
2 4/4/2007
This school is out of control. I feel no parent should put their child in theis school. As a matter of a fact this is not a school it's a zoo/jail. There are distcusting comments on the bathroom walls, a kid even got stabbed IN THE CLASSROOM once. everyone curses. Kids take over the teachers. None seems to do anything about it. This place seriously should be shut down. There is fights almost everyday. The academic scores are super low. This place makes kids hate school and not want to go. It also gives them a bad outlook on life. Kida don't feel safe. It's difficult to learn anything. Supplies get destroyed all the time. The teachers are NOT trying their hardest. In every morning announment the principle sayd "And Remember We Fly Above The Rest Thankyou". She really should'nt say that. The only place kids are flying to in this school is jail in handcuffs at age 13 or so. Everyone is disrespectful to eachother. Please to yourself and your kids a favor and don't enroll them into this school. Really. I moved out of the school, yeah me!!
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