Edward R. Murrow High School

Test score data is notably absent from this dataset, which makes a full academic picture impossible to draw. However, context clues suggest the school operates below district averages in core subjects — district averages run 60% ELA and 63% math proficiency, and this school’s peer ranking (unavailable directly but surrounded by schools scoring 77-95) indicates it likely falls below that benchmark. The 85% teacher instruction quality rating also runs below the district average of 92.6%, suggesting classroom instruction may not be keeping pace with district peers. That said, the school offers AP courses, dual language pathways in Mandarin and Spanish, and a robust world language menu including French, Italian, Russian, and Mandarin — giving college-bound students traditional academic scaffolding.

This is where Murrow truly shines. Parent satisfaction matches the district average at 92%, but trust metrics leap far ahead: 95% parent-teacher trust and 97% parent-principal trust signal a school where families feel heard and valued. Teachers report similarly strong collegial trust (90%) and reasonably solid trust in leadership (85%). The discipline record is clean — zero suspensions in this data window — which is better than the district average of 0.5%. Attendance at 91% sits essentially at the district average. The day-to-day feel appears to be one of mutual respect and functional relationships, even if academic outcomes don’t match the interpersonal warmth.

With 3,659 students, Murrow is one of Brooklyn’s larger high schools, and its demographics reflect the neighborhood’s changing character: 30% White, 27% Asian, 20% Hispanic, 18% Black, plus multi-racial and Native American students. The diversity index of 81% is notably high, meaning students encounter real ethnic and cultural variety. Eighteen percent of students have IEPs — slightly elevated, suggesting robust special education programming. The economic need index of 63.8% indicates a majority of families face economic challenges, though Midwood itself is relatively affluent (median household income $70,680, 49% with BA+ degrees). This creates an interesting dynamic: a school serving a economically diverse population in a neighborhood that’s upwardly mobile overall.

Midwood is a Brooklyn neighborhood of row houses, small apartment buildings, and local businesses along Avenue L, sitting between Sheepshead Bay and Flatbush. It’s a neighborhood where families settle long-term — homeownership rates of 32% and a low stability score (20.69) suggest a area in transition, with both established residents and newer arrivals. The education orientation score (67%) reflects a community that values schools, and the family density score (66%) confirms this is a place where kids are everywhere. Transit access (60.92) is decent by Brooklyn standards, though not as connected as Manhattan. Safety scores (41.38) are below average — crime density and lead elevated rates are concerns that parents should factor in.

The school is located on Avenue L in Midwood, accessible by foot from the surrounding residential blocks. Families from farther-flung parts of Brooklyn rely on bus or car — transit options exist but aren’t as robust as in more central borough neighborhoods.