I.S. 303 Herbert S. Eisenberg

ELA proficiency at 47.6% and math at 55.6% both fall below the district 21 averages of 60% and 63% respectively. The school earns a 2.06 overall score compared to the district average of 2.46. However, looking at the trend line tells a more nuanced story: math has climbed dramatically from the high 20s and low 30s in 2016-2019 to 55.6% in 2025 — a 25-point gain. ELA has been bumpier, rising to 52% in 2022 before settling back to 47.6%. Grade-level data shows 8th graders leading in ELA (53.8%) while 6th graders excel in math (62.7%), suggesting strong vertical alignment in math instruction.

This is where the school tells a compelling story. Teachers rate instruction quality at 97% — well above the 92.6% district average — indicating strong classroom practices. Parent trust in teachers (93%) and the principal (94%) both register high, with 90% of families reporting satisfaction. The school has cut suspensions dramatically: from 17 in 2021-22 to just 3 in 2023-24. However, chronic absenteeism is a serious concern at 65.6% — meaning roughly two-thirds of students miss significant school time, which inevitably impacts learning. This rates far above typical district averages and suggests attendance enforcement or family engagement around showing up consistently may need attention.

With 425 students, this is a small school with diverse demographics: 34% Hispanic, 29% White, 25% Asian, and 12% Black. The economic need index sits high at 84.9%, reflecting the neighborhood's challenges. Nearly 1 in 5 students have IEPs. The student body is notably different from the neighborhood's demographics (which skews older and has low household income), suggesting the audition-based admissions process draws families from beyond the immediate area.

Coney Island-Sea Gate is a neighborhood in transition, with a safety score of just 36.78 (lowest percentile) and a stability score of 12.26 — reflecting flux and economic pressure. The median household income of $43,818 and poverty rate of 27.8% indicate real financial challenges for many families. However, the area scores better on transit (60.15) and has seen significant development in recent years. Only 28.6% of households own homes, meaning most families rent, and just 10.3% have children — making this a neighborhood with relatively few families with school-age kids.

Families from across the district who secured seats through the audition process may have significant commutes. The area is served by subway and bus lines but isn't walkable from most of the district.