I.S. 096 Seth Low

Test scores at Seth Low sit below the District 21 averages — 47.6% ELA versus 60% district-wide, and 48.8% math versus 63% — but the trajectory tells a more nuanced story. Math has surged from the low 30s in 2017 to above 50% in 2025, while ELA climbed from 28% to 48% over the same period. Grade 7 stands out as the strongest performing cohort with 64% math proficiency, while Grade 8 struggles with math at 36%. The overall quality score of 1.93 out of 4 reflects a school working to climb, not one that has plateaued below average.

The climate data reveals a paradox: families love this school (94% satisfaction, 97% trust in principal and teachers), yet chronic absenteeism is a serious issue at 71.6% — well above typical rates. Teacher-reported instruction quality runs high at 94%, and teacher-principal trust sits at 88%, suggesting leadership is solid from the staff perspective. Suspensions number 15 annually (2% rate), slightly elevated but stable over three years. The disconnect between high survey marks and poor attendance suggests families may be satisfied when engaged but struggle with consistent participation — a common challenge in high-need populations.

Seth Low's student body reflects Bensonhurst's transitional demographics: 36% Hispanic, 28% Asian, 28% White, and 7% Black, with a diversity index of 73%. The school serves a high-need population with 82.5% economic need index and 25% IEP students, more than double the city average. Class sizes match the district average at 24.6 students, and the school offers an unusually rich program catalog — 100/100 richness score — with extensive arts, STEM, and extracurricular offerings. The low PTA fundraising ($14 per student versus $79 district average) suggests a parent population that may be time-constrained rather than disengaged.

Bensonhurst is a densely populated, family-oriented Brooklyn neighborhood with a homeownership rate of 32.4% and median home values exceeding $1 million. The area scores 89.27 on family density — very high — but only 40.61 on safety percentile, indicating parents should factor local safety conditions into their calculus. Transit access (45.98) is moderate, and education orientation scores 58.24, suggesting a mixed-commitment community. The neighborhood has 20.7% households with children, reflecting a mix of young families and older residents.

Bensonhurst is generally walkable with good neighborhood streets, though families from farther-flung parts of the district may rely on public transit or car transport. The area's family density means many students likely walk or take short bus rides.