I think you'll get better information from the members in the NYC forum.
The school is in East Harlem, which is considered one of the "iffier" areas of Manhattan. I checked the
NYCHA website and there are quite few public housing buildings in the immediate area. That doesn't necessarily make the area "bad," but it's something to consider. I'd recommend taking a ride up there to scope out the neighborhood for yourself and see if you're comfortable with it.