Brownsville Collaborative Middle School

These scores tell a remarkable story. In 2019, just 15% of students were proficient in ELA and math. By 2025, math proficiency hit 76.6% — well above the district average of 50.5% — and ELA sits at 52.5%, essentially matching the district. Grade 7 is the standout: 66.7% ELA and an almost perfect 97.1% math proficiency. Grade 8 lags behind at 42% ELA, suggesting the school is still building consistency across all grade levels. The science score (12.5%) is notably low, which families focused on STEM pathways should factor in.

The climate data reveals a school that families trust deeply but where teachers feel less confident about instruction quality. Parent satisfaction (98%) and parent-teacher trust (97%) are exceptional — among the highest you'll find in any public middle school. The principal enjoys 88% trust from families, which is solid. However, teacher-reported instruction quality sits at 61.4%, noticeably below the district average of 89.4%. Attendance is a real challenge: 45.6% of students are chronically absent, well above district norms, and chronic absenteeism hits nearly half of male students. On the positive side, suspensions have dropped to zero — down from 17 the prior year — indicating a significant shift in disciplinary approach.

This is a predominantly Black and Hispanic student body (66% and 31%) serving a neighborhood where economic hardship is the norm — 94% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. With 32% of students having IEPs, the school has a high special education population. The economic need index of 94.1% is among the highest in the district, reflecting the realities of Brownsville. At 264 students across three grades, it's a small-to-mid-size middle school where most kids know each other's names.

Brownsville is a neighborhood where families have deep roots but also face real challenges. Safety scores are low (19th percentile), and poverty rates are high at 37.6%, with a median household income of just $33,494. That said, transit access is excellent (87th percentile), making commutes manageable. The area scores poorly on education orientation (39th percentile), meaning this school is one of the few clearly academic options available to local families. There are parks and community resources, though families report the neighborhood can feel tense.

The school is accessible by multiple bus lines and within walking distance for many local families, though parents from farther afield rely on public transit given the strong transit score.