P.S. 020 Clinton Hill

The scores are striking: 76.6% ELA proficiency and 68.6% math proficiency — both roughly 20 percentage points above the District 13 averages. But what's more remarkable is the trajectory. In 2016, this school was at 38.7% ELA and 39% math. Since then, it's climbed steadily almost every year, with a particular jump between 2022 and 2023 (ELA went from 56.2% to 71.7%). The 2025 scores show slight movement — ELA down slightly from 71.7% to 76.6%, math up from 60.9% to 68.6% — but the overall direction is unambiguously upward. By grade, third graders perform strongest (81.5% ELA, 80% math), while fifth grade shows more ground to cover (67.7% ELA, 47.6% math), suggesting the upper-grade program may need attention or that the school is still building momentum at the top of the grade span.

The survey data here is extraordinary. Every single teacher who responded (30 of them) gave a perfect 100% for instructional quality and school safety. Parent trust scores are 93-96% across the board, and family-reported 'strong relationships' hit 100%. Attendance is solid at 91.5% — above the district average — though chronic absenteeism at 71.7% is worth noting (that's high, though it tracks with post-pandemic patterns across the city). The discipline record is pristine: zero suspensions for three consecutive years, a stark contrast to the district average of 1.4%. Put together, this suggests a school where children are showing up, teachers feel supported, families feel heard, and the approach to behavior is restorative rather than punitive. The day-to-day feel appears to be one of genuine warmth and high expectations.

With 611 students, this is a mid-sized elementary school. The demographic mix is notable: 37% White, 30% Black, 19% Hispanic, 9% Multi-Racial, 4% Asian, and 1% Native American. That's more White and fewer Asian students than many Brooklyn schools, but it aligns with Fort Greene's changing demographics. The diversity index of 79% is high, and with 39.6% economic need index, this is a middle-class-leaning school — not as high-need as some nearby schools but far from affluent. The IEP population at 15% is typical. The PTA fundraising is exceptional: over $1.16 million last year, or about $1,906 per student — more than four times the district average. That translates into enrichment programs, events, and resources that families directly benefit from.

Fort Greene is one of Brooklyn's most family-friendly neighborhoods, with a strong sense of community, good transit connections (the neighborhood scores 92.72 on transit access), and decent park space. The median home value of nearly $1.17 million and median household income of $112,864 tell you this is an expensive, desirable area — families compete for housing here. The BA+ education rate of 58.9% is well above city averages, meaning most parents here have college degrees. Safety scores are moderate (27.59 percentile), which is worth noting — this is an urban neighborhood and parents should do their own walking tours. What Fort Greene offers is a built-in community of educated, involved families who tend to prioritize schools, which shows up in the PTA numbers and survey engagement.

Fort Greene is highly walkable with good subway access; most zoned families walk or take short bus rides, and the neighborhood's compact layout makes it manageable for young children