Liberty Avenue Middle School

Test scores at Liberty Avenue are below the district average — 37.9% ELA proficiency versus 48.9% district-wide, and 43.9% math versus 48.2% — placing the school in the lower tier of District 19. However, the eight-year trend shows real momentum: ELA has climbed from 19.7% in 2016 to 37.9% in 2025, while math jumped from 14.3% to 43.9% over the same period. The pattern across grades is notable — 8th graders are performing strongly in math (58.6% proficiency), outpacing their district peers in this subject, while 6th graders lead in ELA (42.2%). The school offers academic supports including Saturday Academy, tutoring, and Regents-level Living Environment, though the overall score of 1.64/4 reflects that students are still catching up to district benchmarks.

The culture here tells a more encouraging story than the test scores suggest. Parent satisfaction sits at an exceptional 99%, with parent-teacher trust at 94% and parent-principal trust at 96% — numbers most NYC schools can only dream of. Teachers report similarly high trust in leadership (94%) and rate instruction quality at 89%. Attendance is marginally above the district average (90.7% vs 89.9%), though chronic absenteeism is a concern at 68.5%, affecting Hispanic students most acutely (72.2%). Discipline is notably light — just 2 suspensions total over three years, translating to a 0% suspension rate, well below the district average of 1.56%. The school has built a climate where behavioral issues are managed through relationship-building rather than removal.

The student body reflects the neighborhood's demographics: 67% Hispanic, 22% Black, 5% Asian, and 3% White, with 26% receiving special education services. The diversity index of 53% is moderate. Most families here face significant economic challenges — the economic need index of 85.9% is among the highest in the district. Despite these headwinds, the community is engaged: 384 families completed the school survey (an 84% response rate), far above typical rates, suggesting parents are invested in their children's education and feel their voices matter.

Cypress Hills is a working-class Brooklyn neighborhood with a strong family presence (70.5th percentile for family density) but limited educational resources (education orientation score: 32.57). Median household income is $66,262 with a 17.6% poverty rate. The area scores low on safety (38.31) and has elevated environmental health concerns, including higher asthma rates and lead exposure risks compared to city averages. Transit access is decent (65.52), making commutes manageable. The neighborhood has seen development pressure — median home values of $659,257 reflect changing dynamics — but many families remain renters (66.5% homeownership rate).

Families typically walk or take local bus lines; the area is pedestrian-friendly for middle schoolers, though parents should note the neighborhood's lower safety score when considering commutes.