At a Glance
A large, diverse STEAM-focused high school in a family-heavy neighborhood where the programs are coveted but teacher leadership trust shows cracks
Families seeking a large, diverse high school with extensive program options and competitive STEAM tracks — particularly those whose children thrive in big-school environments. Works well for families who value program variety over intimate class settings, and who can navigate a selective admissions process for the STEAM specialties. Given the teacher-principal trust gap, families who prioritize strong school leadership communication may want to dig deeper. The school's zero-suspension record and strong parent trust make it a solid choice for families prioritizing a safe, stable environment in a family-heavy Brooklyn neighborhood.
- Three highly competitive STEAM programs (Robotics, Environmental Studies, Performing Arts) with applicant-to-seat ratios of 5:1 or higher
- 100/100 program richness score — exceptional breadth across academic, arts, sports, STEM, language, and extracurricular offerings
- Zero suspensions — notable discipline record in a large high school
- Very high family density in the surrounding neighborhood (90.8 percentile)
- Genuine demographic diversity with no single ethnic group above 40%
- Strong parent trust metrics (94-95%) across teachers and principal
- Teacher-principal trust (67%) is significantly lower than parent trust — worth understanding why if your child will be navigating the school culture
- No ELA or Math proficiency data provided, making academic performance harder to assess directly
- PTA fundraising is very low ($6/student vs. $61 district average) — less parent-funded enrichment may be available
- Very large school (3,199 students) may feel overwhelming for some freshmen transitioning from smaller middle schools
- STEAM programs are highly selective — most applicants don't get in, so students may need to thrive in the general program
- Family survey response rate of 24% means not all families are engaged with school feedback processes
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 20
In District 20, FDR ranks alongside strong peers like Christa McAuliffe (94/100), though we're comparing high schools to elementary/middle schools here. What stands out is the program's breadth — the 100/100 richness score and selective STEAM tracks position this as a destination school for families seeking variety. The peer elementary schools listed (Madeleine Brennan at 83, McKinley Park at 82) are feeders, meaning FDR is the end destination for many of these families. Against district averages, parent satisfaction runs slightly below average (92% vs 94%) and teacher instruction quality scores notably lower (81% vs 92%), which aligns with the teacher-principal trust gap.
Test scores aren't included in this dataset, so we can't directly benchmark this school's academic performance against the district average (66% ELA, 71% Math). However, the school offers AP Courses and three highly selective STEAM programs — Robotics/Programming (20% offer rate), Environmental Studies (9% offer rate), and Performing Arts (14% offer rate) — which suggests academic rigor exists for students who gain entry. The 100/100 program richness score confirms this is a school that invests heavily in what it offers beyond the baseline.
The climate data tells a nuanced story. Families are broadly satisfied (92%) and have strong trust in both teachers (94%) and the principal (95%) — that's genuinely solid. Teachers report 81% instruction quality and 82% collegial trust among peers, indicating healthy professional collaboration day-to-day. However, teacher-principal trust sits at only 67%, which is notably lower than the family trust metrics and warrants attention. The school has zero suspensions, which is excellent, though we don't have suspension rate trends to know if this is a new pattern or long-standing. Attendance isn't listed, but the district average is 94%.
This is a genuinely diverse student body: 39% Hispanic, 35% Asian, 15% White, 10% Black, and 1% Native American — a 73% diversity index that reflects the surrounding neighborhood's mix. The economic need index of 84 (above the city average) indicates a substantial number of students from higher-need households. Eighteen percent of students have IEPs, and the school offers ELL Support, suggesting real commitment to multilingual learners. The neighborhood's median home value ($1.09M) and 41.6% homeownership rate suggest a stable, middle-to-upper-middle-class community, though 18.3% poverty rate in the area means economic diversity exists.
Mapleton-Midwood (West) is a family-dominated, residential neighborhood in Brooklyn with a safety score of 58 and transit score of 61 — both moderate. The education orientation score of 68 suggests this is a neighborhood where families care about schools, which aligns with the high family density (90.8 percentile). Median home values are over $1 million, reflecting the area's desirability, but there's still an 18.3% poverty rate and only 36% of residents have BA+ degrees, making this a mixed-income community. The health environment indicators (elevated lead rate at 20%, asthma ED rate at 104 per 10,000) suggest some environmental concerns parents should be aware of.
With a transit score of 60, the neighborhood is reasonably accessible by public transit, though it's primarily a residential area where most families arrive by car or bus. The school is in a walkable residential zone, but parents should expect commute times similar to other Brooklyn neighborhood schools — not walking-distance for everyone.
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 755 families responded (24% rate)
Programs & Activities
Admissions Demand
Students will explore the field of robotic design using a variety of hands on activities. Students begin with an introduction to the tools used to create robotic devices. As they progress through the series of classes, computer programming becomes an essential and vital element. This culminates in a capstone design project and teaching assistant positions for students to mentor our incoming engineers. Our Robotics Academy offers opportunities for scholarships and research opportunities.
This is an interdisciplinary program for students interested in understanding the natural and urban environment and environmental ethics through hands-on and project-based learning. Students will develop analytical and process skills that will prepare them for college and a career in environmental science and emerging green industries. In addition, students will explore the real-world use of hydroponics and the importance of green living. This culminates in a Capstone Project for Seniors.
Theater and music preparation program with courses in acting, movement, music theory, technical theater, and theater history. Students have the opportunity to perform in school plays, recitals, talent shows, multicultural shows, and Sing!
Our mission is to prepare students for college and career opportunities in fields such as advertising, graphic arts and design, publishing, photojournalism and videography. Courses are centered on a learning environment comprised of state of the art facilities including Mac labs, the complete suite of Adobe Creative Suite software, 3-D modeling printers, and advanced photography laboratories. There is a capstone project where students finalize their portfolio. College credit is available.
This program will allow students to explore the natural world through hands-on and project-based learning. Students will record observations, develop questions, design and conduct experiments, collect and interpret data, and propose new ideas from their conclusions. Students will have the opportunity to use multimedia to present their research articles or findings as a Capstone Project to panels of their peers in class, science fairs, research symposiums, and competitions throughout NYC.
This is a comprehensive program that is designed to expose students to the multiple functions that go into theatrical productions. Courses include: stage design, theater business, theater management, and lighting/sound design. In addition to the annual spring musical, students may showcase their talents in SING, holiday and spring concerts.
Dual Language programs are designed to integrate English Language Learners with English-proficient students to receive content instruction in English and a target language.
This program encourages student creativity through self-expression in Visual Arts with a 4-year sequence of coursework and elective opportunities . Courses include Art Appreciation, Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Fashion, and Ceramics, with the culminating course in Advanced Placement Art: 2D. All rooms are 21st Century state of the art and are dedicated solely to arts education. Students are engaged in portfolio development upon entrance into the program. Teachers work with students on the post-secondary application process for those interested in pursuing further study in the Arts. Upon successful completion of the coursework, students may be eligible to apply for a Regent's Endorsed Diploma with Advanced Designation in the Arts or a Certificate of Arts Achievement based upon the completion of their requirements.
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
PTA Fundraising
Source: DOE Local Law 171 disclosure
Economic Need & Special Populations
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School yet on Motley. It's a public school serving grades 9 to 12 in Mapleton-Midwood (West).
- What grades does Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School serve?
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School serves grades 9 to 12.
- How do students get into Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School?
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School is a screened school — it admits by application, weighing grades, attendance, and sometimes a test or interview.
- Is Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School public, charter, or private?
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School is a public school in NYC Community School District 20.
- What neighborhood is Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School in?
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School is in Mapleton-Midwood (West), Brooklyn.
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