I.S. 392

I.S. 392's 64.4% ELA proficiency sits solidly above the district average of 52.2%, and the school has bounced back from a dip in 2023 (55.4%) to reach its highest ELA score on record. Math at 43.6% trails the district average of 50.5%, though the 2025 figure represents a recovery from a pandemic-era low of 24.7% in 2022. Grade-level data reveals a notable gap: Grade 7 performs strongest (57.7% math, 65.6% ELA), while Grade 8 math drops dramatically to 21.7%, suggesting the upper grades may need additional support or curriculum adjustments.

The survey data tells a striking story: teachers rate instruction quality at 100% and trust in leadership at 98%, while parents report 96% trust in the principal — numbers that most schools can only dream of. Attendance sits at 93.5%, above the district average, but the chronic absenteeism rate of 76.9% is a serious concern — nearly 8 in 10 students miss significant school time. Suspensions are minimal (1%, below the district average of 1.58%), with just 2 suspensions in 2023-24 after two years of none. The disconnect between high trust and high absenteeism suggests families believe in the school but face barriers to getting students there consistently.

With 327 students in a neighborhood that's 79% Black and 15% Hispanic, I.S. 392 reflects the demographics of Brownsville, where the economic need index stands at 76.8% — meaning most families face significant financial hardship. The school's diversity index of 40% is modest, and at 18%, the IEP population is substantial. The community is young and high-need: only 7.9% of households have children, yet those families are predominantly low-income with limited educational attainment (only 13.4% have bachelor's degrees).

Brownsville is a neighborhood of deep contrasts: high poverty (37.6% poverty rate, $33,494 median household income) but improving housing stability ($482,021 median home value) and excellent transit access (86.59 percentile). The area scores poorly on safety (19.16) and has environmental health concerns including elevated lead and asthma rates. However, it offers strong community resources for families and is more affordable than many parts of Brooklyn. Families should note the neighborhood's challenges while recognizing its transit connectivity makes commuting feasible.

The neighborhood is walkable and well-served by public transit, making it accessible for families without cars — an important factor given the area's lower car ownership rates.