M.S. 890

M.S. 890 shows a compelling improvement story: math proficiency has climbed from 41% in 2018 to 66.6% in 2025 — now exceeding the district average of 63.3%. ELA has also improved substantially, from 56% to 61%, though it still trails the district average of 65.5%. Grade-level data reveals particularly strong performance in 7th grade (75.8% math) and 8th grade (65.7% ELA), while 6th grade shows the most room for growth. The overall 2.55/4 score sits just slightly below the district average of 2.58, but the consistent upward trend suggests the school is closing gaps rather than slipping.

This is a school where trust runs deep. Parents report 93% satisfaction and 96% trust in both teachers and the principal — numbers that are exceptional in any district context. Teachers give near-unanimous confidence in leadership (99%) and rate instruction quality at 99%. Attendance at 94.8% runs slightly above the district average. The discipline record is spotless: zero suspensions in 2023-24 after a gradual decline from 3 suspensions in 2021-22. The chronic absenteeism figure of 84.8% is notably high across all demographic groups, which may warrant investigation into transportation or health barriers, though daily attendance remains solid.

With 284 students in grades 6-8, M.S. 890 is a small school with a demographics profile that mirrors the neighborhood's diversity: 39% Hispanic, 31% Black, 19% Asian, and 10% White. The economic need index of 72.7% is relatively high, and 19% of students have IEPs. The diversity index of 76% reflects a well-mixed student body. Families here skew toward working-class and middle-class households, consistent with the neighborhood's median income of $82,763 and 50.9% BA+ education rate.

Kensington is a densely populated, family-oriented neighborhood in central Brooklyn with good transit connectivity and a strong sense of community. The area has a high family density score and solid education orientation, though safety indicators are moderate — crime density and collision rates are notable concerns. Median home values around $871,000 reflect a neighborhood in transition, with a mix of long-term residents and newer arrivals. Parks and family resources are accessible, and the area benefits from the F and G train lines running nearby.

Families walk from surrounding blocks and use the F and G train lines, which are within reasonable distance. The neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly but can feel busy during rush hours.