I.S. 211 John Wilson

Proficiency is well below the district average — 37.5% in ELA versus a district 58.4%, and 38.5% in math versus 61.4%. The story underneath those numbers, though, is dramatic improvement: math proficiency climbed from a low of 16.9% in 2017 to 48.5% in 2024, nearly matching district norms at the peak. Both subjects dipped again in 2025. Eighth graders score notably higher than sixth graders (46% ELA, 45.9% math in 8th versus 22.5% and 23.8% in 6th), suggesting students do grow here even if the school's overall proficiency rate lags. Science proficiency at 30.5% also trails.

The trust metrics here are striking: parent-principal trust at 98%, parent-teacher trust at 97%, and teacher-principal trust at 99% — all far above district norms. Teacher-rated instruction quality is a perfect 100% versus the district's 89.8%, and 95% of responding families say they're satisfied. The day-to-day feel is collaborative and tight-knit. But there's a serious counterweight: chronic absenteeism is at 70.6%, meaning roughly seven in ten students miss enough school to be flagged as chronically absent. Attendance rate (91.1%) is only slightly above the district average of 90.5%, so most kids come regularly, but a large minority are missing substantial days. Discipline is quiet — a 2% suspension rate, steady across the past three years.

The student body is 76% Black, 13% Hispanic, 6% White, 2% Asian, 2% Native American, and 1% multiracial — a diversity index of 47%, reflecting a fairly concentrated demographic. The economic need index of 80.5% means most students come from low-income households. About 29% of students have IEPs, which is high, and the school offers ELL Support and an Accelerated/Honors academic track. With 214 students, grade cohorts are small enough that teachers likely know students by name. Enrollment demographics mirror the surrounding Canarsie neighborhood, which is also predominantly Black and family-oriented.

Canarsie is a residential neighborhood in southeastern Brooklyn where about half of households own their homes — high for New York City. Median household income is around $82,184 with a 12.8% poverty rate and 28.7% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher. About 15% of households have children, giving it a settled family feel. The community skews toward established Black homeowners rather than renters passing through.

The L train serves the area: Canarsie-Rockaway Parkway is about a 9-minute walk and East 105th Street is about 12 minutes away. Most families likely walk or take the L.