Cultural Arts Academy Charter School At Spring Creek

Test scores here are below District 18 averages — 50% ELA versus 58% districtwide, and 40% math versus 61% districtwide — but context matters. This school hit a significant trough in 2022 (ELA 33%, math 15%) during the pandemic and has been climbing steadily, adding roughly 8-10 percentage points per year in both subjects through 2025. The overall quality score of 1.8 out of 4 reflects this recovery trajectory, though it remains below the district average of 2.4. By grade, Grade 3 shows strongest ELA performance at 60%, while Grade 4 leads in math at 48% — suggesting early intervention is working but upper-grade math still needs support.

The survey data tells a story of strong relationships despite attendance struggles. Parents give near-perfect marks for trust in teachers (97%) and principals (98%), and 92% say they're satisfied with the school — essentially matching district averages. Teachers report 99% feeling safe and 94% trust their principal, suggesting healthy leadership dynamics. The 74% family survey response rate indicates solid parent engagement. However, chronic absenteeism at 56.6% is a serious concern — far above the district average — particularly for female students (62.2%) and Black students (62.3%), suggesting barriers to regular attendance that go beyond typical school climate issues.

This is an exceptionally homogeneous school: 91% of students are Black, with Hispanic students at 5% and minimal representation from other groups. The school reflects its Brownsville neighborhood, which is predominantly Black and working-class. With 65% economic need index and 17% IEP students, the population has significant support needs. The diversity index of 22% is very low, meaning students here won't experience the demographic mix found in more integrated Brooklyn schools.

Brownsville is a high-need community with real tradeoffs for families. Transit access is excellent (87 percentile) — this is one of the most transit-connected neighborhoods in the city — making commutes manageable. However, safety scores are among the lowest in the city at 19th percentile, and the poverty rate exceeds 37% with a median household income around $33,000. Family density is moderate (36th percentile), and only 14% of residents own homes. The neighborhood has been undergoing changes, with rising home values ($482,000 median), but educational attainment remains low with only 13% holding bachelor's degrees. There are parks and community resources, though families should expect to navigate urban challenges.

The neighborhood is highly walkable and well-served by bus routes, with the transit score in the 87th percentile. Families can typically walk or take short bus rides to school, though parents should consider typical urban pedestrian safety around the school vicinity.