Hebrew Language Academy Charter School 2

Test scores at Hebrew Language Academy 2 sit modestly below the District 21 median — 57.9% ELA versus 60% district average, and 60% math versus 63.2% district average. The school's overall score of 2.36/4 trails the district average of 2.46. However, there's a notable strength in upper-grade math: 68% of fifth-graders are proficient in math, significantly outpacing the school's overall math performance. The trend line has been bumpy — scores dipped in 2024 before partially recovering in 2025 — suggesting the school is still finding its footing after the disruptions of recent years.

This is where the school truly shines. Teachers report 100% trust in leadership and 100% feeling safe at work — rare anywhere, let alone in a charter. Parents mirror that sentiment: 97% trust between families and teachers, and 97% trust in the principal. Every single parent surveyed reported 'strong relationships' with the school community. The instruction quality scores 91%, nearly matching the district average. However, there's a significant tension: chronic absenteeism sits at 64.5% — meaning nearly two-thirds of students missed significant school time. This drags the overall attendance rate down to 90.6%, slightly below the 91.2% district average. The chronic absenteeism rate is notably high across all demographic groups, particularly among Asian students (76%). This suggests that while families who are engaged are deeply committed, a sizable portion of families struggle with regular attendance.

The student body is predominantly White (54%), with substantial Hispanic (24%) and Black (17%) populations, creating a diverse mix for a Brooklyn school. The diversity index of 65% reflects this mix. However, the school population differs notably from the surrounding Gravesend neighborhood, which has a larger Asian population and different demographic composition. Economic need is significant — 67% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch — and 27% have IEPs, indicating the school serves a high-need population despite the relatively affluent neighborhood surrounding it. The small enrollment of 296 students across grades PK-6 creates intimate class sizes averaging 24.6 students.

Gravesend is a family-dense neighborhood in southern Brooklyn, ranking in the 85th percentile for family density — meaning children are everywhere you look. Transit access is solid (70th percentile), making commutes reasonable despite the area's residential character. The neighborhood scores poorly on safety (47.51 — below median) and has elevated environmental health concerns, including higher lead and asthma rates than city averages. However, it's stable, with many long-term residents, and the median home value of $985,689 reflects its desirability for families. The 37.9% homeownership rate indicates a mix of owners and renters, and the BA+ education rate of 30.6% suggests a working- and middle-class community.

Gravesend is a walkable residential neighborhood — families can typically walk or drive short distances to school. The B1 and B3 subway lines are accessible nearby, and bus routes cross the area, making it doable for families without cars, though most likely walk or drive for the morning commute.