Brooklyn Arts and Science Elementary School

Test scores here have climbed steadily — ELA jumped from 17% in 2016 to nearly 55% in 2025, and math more than doubled to 46%. That's real progress, the kind that suggests effective instruction rather than a statistical fluke. That said, both subjects still sit below the district averages (60.5% ELA, 57.3% math), meaning students are performing below their peers across District 17. The grade-level breakdown is encouraging: fifth-graders hit 62% ELA, showing older students are getting stronger preparation. Class sizes are right at the district average at 22 students, so there's no size advantage explaining the gains.

The survey numbers here are striking: 100% of families report strong relationships with teachers, 100% say teachers deliver high-quality instruction, and teacher trust in leadership sits at 93-100%. This is a school where people genuinely like working and families feel heard. The attendance picture is more complicated — overall attendance at 90.7% is basically district average, but chronic absenteeism at 65% is notably high, with male students missing more than females (69% vs 60.4%). Discipline is a bright spot: zero suspensions for three consecutive years, a rare record in any public school. The daily feel here seems to be one of warmth and connection, though the chronic absenteeism rate suggests some families are still struggling to get kids to school regularly.

With 301 students, this is a small school — the kind where teachers know every face. The demographics are diverse: 42% Black, 30% Hispanic, 20% White, and 4% each Asian and Multi-Racial. The diversity index of 73% reflects this mix. Nearly 60% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch (economic need index 58.9), and 19% have IEPs, indicating a population with real support needs. PTA fundraising of $115 per student is slightly below the district average of $44 per student, suggesting modest but present family involvement.

Crown Heights is a densely populated, transit-rich neighborhood in central Brooklyn — the education orientation score of 77 and family density of 90 reflect a community where families with children are concentrated. The median home value over $1 million tells you this isn't a low-income neighborhood, though 20% poverty and a median household income of $73,859 show economic diversity. Transit access is excellent (87th percentile). The safety numbers are the weak link: the low safety percentile and high crime density (4,095 per 100k) suggest this is an area where parents should be aware of their surroundings, particularly during certain times. There are parks and community resources typical of a family-heavy neighborhood.

The neighborhood's high transit score (87th percentile) means most families likely walk or take public transit — car-dependent commuting is uncommon here.