New Voices School of Academic & Creative Arts

Test scores at New Voices are significantly above district averages — ELA proficiency of 83.7% versus the district's 65.5%, and math at 83.5% versus 63.3%. The school has climbed steadily from earlier years, with math particularly surging from 66.2% in 2016 to 83.5% in 2025. Grade 8 performs strongest in ELA (85.1%), while Grade 7 leads in math (87.6%). The overall 3.34/4 score reflects consistent quality, not a single strong year. This is a school where students are clearly learning at high levels across all three middle school grades.

The survey data tells a powerful story: 96% of parents trust teachers, 97% trust the principal, and 98% of teachers trust the principal. Instruction quality scores 96%. This is a school where people feel heard and respected. Attendance sits at 94.1%, slightly above the district average. Discipline is essentially nonexistent — zero suspensions for the past two years. The chronic absenteeism figure (83.2%) appears anomalous given the strong attendance rate, but the day-to-day feel is clearly one of engagement and stability.

Enrollment of 525 students spans grades 6-8 with a demography that mirrors the broader Sunset Park area: 39% Hispanic, 38% white, 12% Asian, 7% Black, and 4% multiracial. The diversity index of 73% is notable for a middle school. With 22% IEP students and ELL support available, the school serves a range of learners. PTA fundraising of $62 per student is modest compared to district averages, but participation is healthy and the community is engaged.

Sunset Park is a mixed-income Brooklyn neighborhood with strong working-class roots and a growing family population. Median household income sits around $81,000, with 35.7% of residents holding bachelor's degrees. The area offers decent transit options (53rd percentile) and the neighborhood is known for its community feel, with parks and local businesses lining the main corridors. Safety scores are moderate (43rd percentile) — typical for a densely populated urban area. Homeownership is low (25%), reflecting the neighborhood's rental-heavy character.

Many families walk or take public transit; the neighborhood is dense and well-connected by bus routes, though driving and parking can be challenging during school hours.