J.H.S. 383 Philippa Schuyler

Philippa Schuyler shows a mixed academic picture. ELA proficiency at 51.4% sits above the District 32 average of 45.9%, but math at 32.5% falls well below the district's 43.2%. The school's overall quality score of 1.68 out of 4 trails the district average of 1.78. Test scores have been volatile — math dipped dramatically to 21.8% in 2022 before recovering to 40% in 2024, while ELA has remained steadier between 51-57% in recent years. Grade-level data reveals older students perform notably better: 8th graders achieve 64% in ELA while 6th graders lag at 38.3%, suggesting the school may be stronger at building skills over time than in early middle school.

The school has a genuine strength in family trust — parent satisfaction sits at 93%, with 92% parent-teacher trust and 91% parent-principal trust. However, teachers report notably lower confidence in leadership, with teacher-principal trust at 62% and instruction quality rated 72% (well below the district average of 86%). Discipline has improved meaningfully, with suspensions dropping from 12 in 2021-22 to just 4 in 2023-24. The most significant concern is chronic absenteeism at 72.9%, meaning roughly three-quarters of students are missing significant school time — this affects roughly three-quarters of students, with Hispanic students (77.1%) and males (76.5%) missing the most school days.

The student body is predominantly Hispanic (66%) with significant Black enrollment (28%), reflecting Bushwick's changing demographics. Nearly 80% of students qualify for free lunch, and 18% have IEPs. With only 3% Asian and 2% white students, the school serves a predominantly low-income community of color. The diversity index of 49% is moderate. The school offers limited special programming — only ELL support and accelerated/honors classes, with a program richness score of just 34.7 out of 100, suggesting fewer enrichment opportunities than peers.

Bushwick is a densely populated, transit-rich Brooklyn neighborhood with a strong family presence (family density score: 72.41) and education orientation score of 59.39. Median home values of $882,472 and low homeownership (11.1%) indicate a predominantly renter community. The neighborhood scores poorly on safety (17.62 percentile) and health environment (15.71), with elevated asthma rates and lead exposure concerns. However, transit access is excellent (84.29), making commutes manageable for families without cars. The poverty rate of 20.4% and median household income of $86,760 place this squarely in a working-to-middle-class community.

Bushwick is highly walkable with good subway access (multiple lines serve the area), making the school accessible without a car. However, families should factor in the neighborhood's safety scores when considering commutes, particularly for younger students.