At a Glance
A performing and visual arts-focused school with sky-high family trust but a long academic climb
Families who value a trusting, arts-infused environment over academic performance rankings, and who are prepared to supplement school learning with additional support. This school works best for families who want their child in a smaller, relationship-driven setting where behavior is managed restoratively rather than punitively — and who accept that test scores will likely remain below district averages for the foreseeable future.
- Audition-based arts admission — a rare pathway in district schools
- Zero suspensions — discipline handled internally without school removals
- Near-universal family trust — 95-97% satisfaction across all trust metrics
- 100/100 program richness score — offers everything from robotics to Regents prep to musical theater
- 34-seat performing arts program with dedicated facilities
- Strong teacher-reported instruction quality (92%) despite academic challenges
- Test scores remain well below district averages — students may need additional support
- 51.7% chronic absenteeism is high and affects learning outcomes
- The 2024-2025 score dip suggests progress isn't guaranteed
- 34% IEP population is high — ensure your child's specific needs are met
- Only 37% family survey response rate may not represent all voices
- Hispanic students have notably higher chronic absenteeism (58%) than peers
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 14
In District 14, Juan Morel Campos sits near the bottom on academic performance — well below peer schools like Success Academy campuses (88-97/100) and P.S. 031 and P.S. 034 (both 91/100). However, it offers something those schools don't: an arts-focused audition pathway and a culture where families feel genuinely heard. The zero-suspension environment and high trust scores distinguish it from peer schools that may perform better academically but have stricter climates.
Test scores have come a long way — ELA jumped from 9% in 2016 to 36% in 2025, and math from 7% to 25%, with a notable peak in 2024 (40% ELA, 37% math). But the 2025 dip reminds us this trajectory isn't linear. Compared to District 14 averages of 62% ELA and 59% math, Juan Morel Campos is significantly behind — students here are catching up, not leading. The school has an unusually high 34% IEP population, which affects aggregate scores.
This is where the story gets interesting. Parent satisfaction (95%), parent-teacher trust (96%), and parent-principal trust (97%) all exceed district averages. Teachers report 92% instruction quality and 91% trust in leadership. Attendance (85.7%) runs slightly below the district average of 89%, and chronic absenteeism is a real issue at 51.7% — notably worse for male students (55%) and Hispanic students (58%). But discipline is exemplary: zero suspensions. The school has built a trusting, relatively calm environment where behavioral issues are handled without removing students from the building.
The student body is predominantly Hispanic (66%) and Black (26%), reflecting the neighborhood's demographics in South Williamsburg. With 91.7% economic need index and 34% IEP students, this is a high-need population. Yet the school draws applicants through audition-based arts programs — the Visual Art and Design program had 74 applicants for 22 seats, while Performing Arts had more seats than applicants. The diversity index sits at 47%, and at 504 students across grades 6-12, it's a mid-sized school.
South Williamsburg is a transit-rich, family-dense neighborhood with real challenges. The median household income ($38,784) and poverty rate (48.5%) indicate significant economic hardship, while the 17.4% BA+ education rate is among the lowest in the city. Safety scores (46) are below average, and environmental health indicators (asthma rates, lead exposure) show elevated concerns. However, transit access (87) is excellent, and the area has a strong community feel with 45% of households containing children.
The neighborhood is walkable and well-served by subway lines, making it accessible for families without cars. However, the area's safety concerns and traffic collision rates mean younger children should be accompanied.
Academic Performance
ELA Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State ELA exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Math Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State Math exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 164 families responded (37% rate)
Programs & Activities
Admissions Demand
Fine and graphic arts, courses include but are not limited to: studio arts, portfolio development and graphic design. Several partnerships with New York Arts organizations provide our students with the opportunity to participate in art shows across the city. A major in Visual Arts will prepare students to receive an Arts-Endorsed diploma and to major in visual arts at the college/university level.
The program consists of dance, theater arts and instrumental music. Students are able to participate in all aspects of the program or to instead concentrate on one in particular. Instrumental music includes participation in the Super Band which is a rock band. Prior musical experience is not necessary. Theater provides students of all ability levels with foundational skills in theater. Dance starts with foundational skills and offers students classes in various modern techniques.
A rigorous program designed to prepare students for college. We offer a specialized STEM program called CUNY PERC. Students engage with topics in math, biology and chemistry to become teachers of younger students in those disciplines. Additionally, all upperclassmen have the opportunity to earn college credits through College NOW courses and AP. Seniors are also invited to participate in the many internship programs we offer as a pathway to their future careers.
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Economic Need & Special Populations
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Juan Morel Campos Secondary School a good school?
- On Motley, Juan Morel Campos Secondary School earns an overall quality score of 30/100 — a blend of New York State ELA and math results, attendance, and the school-climate survey. Its state test results run below the District 14 average.
- What grades does Juan Morel Campos Secondary School serve?
- Juan Morel Campos Secondary School serves grades 6 to 12.
- How do students get into Juan Morel Campos Secondary School?
- Juan Morel Campos Secondary School admits by audition — applicants are judged on a performance, portfolio, or talent area.
- Is Juan Morel Campos Secondary School public, charter, or private?
- Juan Morel Campos Secondary School is a public school in NYC Community School District 14.
- What neighborhood is Juan Morel Campos Secondary School in?
- Juan Morel Campos Secondary School is in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
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Discipline
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