P.S. 024

Test scores at P.S. 024 have more than tripled in ELA since 2016 (from 13% to 43%), a genuine upward trajectory that reflects sustained effort. However, current proficiency still lags significantly behind the District 15 average of 65% in ELA and 63% in Math — this is a school where students are catching up, not leading. Math proficiency at 32% is particularly challenging. The grade-level breakdown shows a notable gap: third graders score just 28% ELA while fourth and fifth graders exceed 50% — suggesting either strong upper-grade instruction or a positive trend that hasn't yet reached younger students. With an overall score of 1.5 out of 4, this school is performing in the lower tier of a generally high-performing district.

The climate data tells a complicated story. On the positive side, parent satisfaction hits 94%, parent-teacher trust reaches 97%, and teachers report 96% feeling safe at work — these are exceptional numbers that suggest strong relationships and a supportive environment. The 'strong relationships' metric at 100% is particularly notable. However, chronic absenteeism at 71% is alarming — nearly three-quarters of students are missing significant school time, which directly impacts learning. The attendance rate of 92.2% is slightly below the district average. On discipline, the school has achieved zero suspensions for three consecutive years, a model record. The gap in chronic absenteeism between Asian students (89%) and other groups (69-77%) warrants attention.

The student body is overwhelmingly Hispanic (86%), with small populations of White (8%), Asian (4%), and Black (1%) students. The diversity index sits at 32%, reflecting a relatively homogeneous population. With an economic need index of 84.7% — meaning nearly 85% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch — this is a high-need school serving a working-class community. One in four students has an IEP, suggesting robust special education services. The PTA fundraising of $55 per student is dramatically below the district average of $491, indicating limited discretionary funding for enrichment programs. This is a community of families with significant financial constraints but strong engagement with the school.

Sunset Park is a dense, working-family neighborhood in southwestern Brooklyn known for its Hispanic and Asian immigrant communities, industrial waterfront, and the large Sunset Park itself. The neighborhood scores show moderate transit access (53) and high family density (74), but lower safety scores (43) and education orientation (42). Median home values exceed $1 million, yet the poverty rate sits at 17% with a median household income around $81,000 — reflecting a community of working families who may be housing-cost-burdened. The area has seen significant demographic shifts and ongoing development, with good subway access but the safety concerns common to parts of Sunset Park.

The school is located on 38th Street in the western part of Sunset Park, an area with good walkability and close to the D/N/R subway lines at 36th Street. Many families in this zoned neighborhood walk or take short bus rides. However, the area's industrial character and traffic along 38th/39th Streets can make drop-off challenging for some families.