Madiba Prep Middle School

Test scores at Madiba Prep are below the district average — 39.4% in ELA versus the district's 57.6%, and 47.2% in math versus 57%. However, looking at the trajectory tells a different story: in 2016, only 21.7% of students were proficient in ELA and 17.2% in math. By 2025, those numbers reached 39.4% and 47.2% respectively — nearly doubling in ELA and nearly tripling in math. The school also shows grade-level strength, particularly in 7th grade math (55.3%) and 6th grade across both subjects (46.7% ELA, 50% math). With an overall score of 1.73 out of 4, the school is working to catch up to district averages, but the upward trend is notable.

The culture here is defined by exceptionally high trust between families, teachers, and leadership. Parent satisfaction sits at 99%, parent-principal trust at 99%, and parent-teacher trust at 98%. Teachers report 100% instruction quality and 99% trust in the principal — numbers that far exceed district averages. Discipline has improved dramatically: the school went from 5 suspensions in 2021-22 to 0 in the most recent year. The catch is attendance: with a 50.7% chronic absenteeism rate, nearly half of students are missing significant school time, particularly male students (53.4%) and Black students (57.6%). The overall attendance rate of 87.1% is slightly below the district average of 88.7%.

Madiba Prep serves a predominantly Black student body (64%) with 30% Hispanic students, reflecting the neighborhood's demographics. With 88.7% economic need index and one-third of students having IEPs, the school serves a high-need population. At 211 students total, it's a small community where relationships can form — and the survey numbers suggest they do. The diversity index sits at 50%, with very few Asian, white, or multi-racial students.

Bedford-Stuyvesant is a family-dense neighborhood (87th percentile) with excellent transit access (95th percentile), making it convenient for families who commute. It's an area with a strong education orientation (69th percentile) and a rapidly changing real estate market — median home values hover around $1.18 million. However, safety indicators show concern: the safety score is low (22.61), and the neighborhood has elevated rates of lead exposure and asthma-related ER visits. Families should know the neighborhood context — it's vibrant and community-oriented but has safety considerations that affect daily life.

The neighborhood is highly walkable with strong transit options, though families should consider the area's safety context when planning commutes.