P.S. 023 Carter G. Woodson

Test scores at P.S. 023 have climbed significantly from their pandemic trough — ELA rose from 15.2% in 2022 to 37.8% in 2025, and math jumped from 16.2% to 43.2% over the same period. However, both subjects still fall well below the district averages of 62.4% ELA and 59.5% math, placing this school in the lower tier of District 14. There's a notable gap between grade levels: third graders perform strongly (52.6% ELA, 68.4% math), while fourth and fifth grades lag considerably. The overall 1.62/4 score reflects a school still in recovery mode.

The survey data here tells a striking story — parents and teachers report exceptionally high trust (99% parent-teacher trust, 94% teacher-principal trust) and nearly universal agreement on strong relationships (100%). Teachers rate instruction quality at 98% and report 94% safety, both strong marks. The attendance picture is more complicated: while the 88.9% attendance rate matches the district average, chronic absenteeism sits at a concerning 54.8%, with Hispanic students (60.6%) missing school more than their Black peers (47.9%). Perhaps most notably, the school has achieved zero suspensions for two consecutive years — a remarkable record for any school, let alone one serving a high-need population.

With 259 students across pre-K through 5th grade, this is a small school where most families are zoned. The student body is predominantly Black (56%) and Hispanic (41%), reflecting the neighborhood demographics. Nearly 90% of students come from economically disadvantaged households, and 29% have IEPs — both well above typical rates. The diversity index sits at 44%, indicating moderate demographic variety within the school.

Bedford-Stuyvesant (West) is a transit-rich, family-oriented neighborhood in central Brooklyn with excellent subway access (86th percentile) and very high family density (92nd percentile). The area has a strong education orientation (71st percentile), though safety scores are notably low (22nd percentile). Median home values are high at $1.27 million despite a 28% poverty rate, suggesting an area in transition. Families will find good access to parks and community resources, though the low safety score is something parents consider.

The neighborhood is highly walkable with excellent transit options — families typically walk or take public transit to school, reflecting the urban, transit-oriented character of central Brooklyn.