I.S. 068 Isaac Bildersee

Test scores at I.S. 068 have climbed meaningfully from a very low base — ELA rose from 13% in 2016 to 34% in 2025, while math jumped from 9% to 42% over the same period. However, these gains still leave the school well below the district averages of 58% ELA and 61% math. The grade-level breakdown shows Grade 6 performing strongest (58% math, 39% ELA), while Grade 7 and 8 students show more mixed results. With an overall score of 1.52 out of 4, this school is working to close a significant gap with the rest of District 18.

Here’s what’s notable: teachers rate their own instruction quality at 94%, well above the district average of 90%, and parent trust scores are exceptional — 96% parent-teacher trust and 95% parent-principal trust. Family satisfaction sits at 93%. However, the chronic absenteeism rate of 54% is a serious concern, meaning more than half of students are missing significant school time. The suspension rate of 3% is also higher than the district average of 1%, with 7 suspensions last year following a low of 1 in 2022-23. The day-to-day feel appears positive in terms of relationships, but attendance and discipline present real challenges.

The student body is 71% Black, 12% White, 8% Hispanic, and 9% Asian, with an economic need index of 75.5% — meaning three-quarters of students come from economically disadvantaged households. A quarter of students have IEPs. The diversity index of 52% reflects a fairly homogeneous population, which aligns with the surrounding Canarsie neighborhood's demographics. This is a high-need community where the school serves students facing significant challenges outside the classroom.

Canarsie is a stable, residential Brooklyn neighborhood known for its owner-occupied homes (50.5% homeownership) and a median home value of $688,000. The median household income of $82,000 sits above the city average, though 12.8% of residents live in poverty. The neighborhood scores in the mid-50s for family density and safety, with decent transit options (66/100). There are parks and community resources typical of a middle-class Brooklyn enclave, though the education orientation score of 62 suggests this isn't a hyper-affluent, education-obsessed pocket.

Canarsie is a car-friendly neighborhood — many families drive or rely on bus service. The school is accessible but not particularly walkable from the nearest subway lines, which are a distance away.