Explore Excel Charter School

Explore Excel's academic trajectory is a genuine success story. After dropping to 36.5% ELA and 29.4% math in 2022 (post-pandemic), the school has climbed to 57.2% ELA and 63% math — both the highest scores in the school's data history and slightly above the District 18 averages of 58.4% and 61.4% respectively. The school outperforms the district in math while running slightly below in ELA, which is notable given that 70% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Grade-level data shows particular strength in upper elementary — Grade 5 students hit 68.4% ELA proficiency, and Grade 4 posted an impressive 78.4% in math. Science proficiency at 41.3% suggests room for growth in STEM, and the school's overall quality score of 2.4/4 sits just above the district average of 2.39.

The survey data paints an exceptionally positive picture of school culture — 95% of parents report satisfaction, and both parents and teachers show 96% trust in leadership. Teachers rate instruction quality at 95% and report 99% feeling safe at school. These numbers are notably above district averages. However, there's a significant tension: the 93.7% attendance rate (above district average) coexists with a troubling 79.9% chronic absenteeism rate, meaning many students are missing significant school time despite the school's strong climate. The chronic absenteeism is notably higher for male students (81.7%) and Black students (81.5%) compared to females (77.9%) and Hispanic students (62.2%). The day-to-day feel appears collaborative and trusting, but chronic absenteeism suggests some families are struggling to get students to school consistently.

With 537 students in grades K-8, Explore Excel serves a remarkably homogeneous student body — 90% Black, which is notably higher than the neighborhood's demographics. Canarsie itself is a diverse community with a large Caribbean-American population, but this school draws almost exclusively Black families. Only 5% of students are Hispanic, and just 1% each are Asian or white. The economic need index of 70.3% indicates significant poverty, and 18% of students have IEPs. The diversity index of 25% reflects this homogeneity. Families here are largely working-class to middle-class, as reflected in the neighborhood's median household income of $82K and 50.5% homeownership rate. The school's lottery-based admissions mean families self-select into this charter environment.

Canarsie is a stable, family-oriented neighborhood in southeast Brooklyn characterized by a mix of one- and two-family homes, a strong homeownership rate, and a community with deep Caribbean roots. The neighborhood scores 57/100 on safety (below city average) and 66/100 on transit, making it car-dependent for most families. Education orientation scores a moderate 62/100, suggesting moderate parent emphasis on schools. The area has several parks and is near the A train, though getting around without a car can be time-consuming. At 12.8% poverty, Canarsie is relatively economically stable compared to other parts of Brooklyn, though the school's 70% economic need index indicates it draws families facing significant financial challenges.

Canarsie is a car-heavy neighborhood — families without vehicles should consider the commute carefully, as transit options are limited and walking distances can be long, especially in winter or with young children.