I.S. 281 Joseph B Cavallaro

This school performs above the district average in math (65.2% vs. 63.2%) and接近 the district average in ELA (54.7% vs. 60.0%). The academic trajectory shows meaningful improvement over time — math proficiency jumped from 48.5% in 2016 to 65.2% in 2025, and ELA rose from 36% to the mid-50s range. Grade 7 stands out as the strongest cohort, with 70.3% math proficiency, while Grade 8 shows slightly lower performance. The 2.4 overall score matches the district average, placing this school squarely in the middle tier of District 21 performance.

The school receives very strong marks from families — 94% parent satisfaction and 96% trust in the principal both exceed district averages. Teachers report high instruction quality (95%) and parents agree. However, there are cracks in the staff culture: teacher-principal trust (84%) and teacher collegial trust (81%) are notably lower than family trust levels. Discipline has trended upward with 22 suspensions in 2023-24 (2% rate), more than double the prior year and well above the district average of 0.5%. Chronic absenteeism is a significant concern at 74.2%, though daily attendance (92.6%) is actually slightly better than the district average.

With 1,172 students, this is a mid-sized middle school that reflects the changing demographics of Gravesend. The student body is 39% Asian, 27% Hispanic, 26% White, and 6% Black, giving it a diversity index of 73%. The economic need index of 78.4% indicates a high-poverty population, and 18% of students have IEPs — slightly above typical. The neighborhood itself is a family-focused area with 25.9% households with children and a homeownership rate of 38%, suggesting a stable, rooted community.

Gravesend (West) is a dense, transit-accessible Brooklyn neighborhood with strong family infrastructure. The area scores high on family density (85th percentile) and transit access (70.5), making it practical for commuters, though safety scores are moderate (47.5). Median home values approach $1 million, reflecting the neighborhood's appeal to families, while the poverty rate of 22.4% indicates economic diversity within the community. The neighborhood offers good access to parks and recreational facilities that serve the large population of families with children.

The school is located on 24th Avenue in Gravesend, a walkable neighborhood with good subway and bus connections. Families from across District 21 audition for spots here, so many students travel from outside the immediate area.