M.S. 582

Test scores at M.S. 582 have more than tripled since 2016 — from 19.5% to 57.3% in ELA and 9% to 48.3% in math — a trajectory that shows real instructional momentum. That said, the school currently trails the district averages (62.4% ELA, 59.5% math) by a meaningful margin, and proficiency dipped slightly from 2023 peaks. Grade-level data shows Grade 6 outperforming older grades in ELA (63.6%) while Grade 8 math drops sharply to 28.6%, suggesting the middle school transition may be harder for some students. The overall quality score of 2.11/4 sits below the district average of 2.44.

Here's where M.S. 582 truly shines — the relational fabric of this school is unusually strong. Teachers give the principal 100% trust, parents report 96% satisfaction, and family survey response rates hit 84% (far above typical). Teacher instruction quality scores 91%. Discipline has improved meaningfully: suspensions dropped from 26 in 2021-22 to 13 in each of the last two years. The catch is attendance — while the overall rate is a respectable 88%, chronic absenteeism sits at a steep 54.2%, hitting both boys and girls and Hispanic and Black students similarly. This suggests many families value the school but struggle with getting kids there consistently, a pattern common in high-need neighborhoods.

M.S. 582 serves 327 students in a predominantly Hispanic community (73%), with Black students comprising 23%. The economic need index is very high at 87.2%, and one-third of students have IEPs — both well above district averages. This is a school where most families are navigating real financial pressure, yet they're engaged and satisfied with the school experience. The diversity index sits at 42%, reflecting the school's relatively homogeneous enrollment compared to the broader city.

East Williamsburg has a gritty, working-class identity with strong immigrant roots and increasing young family presence. The neighborhood scores well on family density (67th percentile) and education orientation (65th percentile), though safety scores are lower (43rd percentile) and the poverty rate sits at 24%. Transit access is solid (61st percentile), median home values have surged to over $1 million, and homeownership is low at 12.5% — meaning most families here rent. There's a growing arts and food scene, but also industrial remnants and the environmental health indicators (air quality, asthma rates) suggest some pollution concerns.

The school is accessible via multiple subway and bus lines serving the East Williamsburg area. Families from surrounding blocks walk, while those from farther afield rely on public transit or car drop-offs. The area is walkable but not without traffic and neighborhood noise.