P.S. 032 Samuel Mills Sprole

P.S. 032 posts strong test scores: 78% ELA proficiency and 72.5% math proficiency, both notably above District 15 averages (65.5% and 63.3% respectively). The school's overall quality score of 3.01 out of 4 also exceeds the district average of 2.58. However, the historical trend shows some volatility — scores dipped in 2022 (ELA 63.6%, Math 55.6%) before recovering dramatically to current levels. The 2025 results represent the school's strongest performance in at least nine years, suggesting effective academic interventions or curriculum shifts. Grade-level data shows particular strength in 3rd and 4th grade ELA (both above 80%), while 5th graders excel in math (77.1%).

The survey data presents a mixed picture. Families report extremely high trust and satisfaction: 93% parent satisfaction, 95% report strong relationships, and nearly all feel connected to teachers and the principal. Teacher-reported safety is a perfect 100%. Yet teacher surveys reveal tension: only 71% trust the principal and just 62% report collegial trust among staff — both below district norms. Attendance is slightly below district average (92.6% vs 93.5%), but the chronic absenteeism rate of 75.4% is striking, with notably lower rates among Black (53.5%) and Hispanic (61.7%) students compared to white (90.1%) and Asian (92.1%) students. Discipline is exemplary: zero suspensions for three consecutive years.

The student body is majority white (46%) with significant Hispanic (21%) and Black (17%) populations, reflecting the neighborhood's growing diversity. The diversity index of 78% is solid, and the economic need index of 40% is moderate. Thirty percent of students have IEPs — a meaningful population. PTA fundraising of $310 per student is below the district average of $491, suggesting less financial resources for enrichment compared to peers.

The school sits in one of Brooklyn's most family-dense neighborhoods, where 85.8% of residents rate the area as family-oriented and 87.4% have an education-oriented mindset. Median household income is high at $139,897, with a homeownership rate of just 31.2% and median home values exceeding $1.7 million. The neighborhood offers strong access to parks and the Gowanus waterfront, though transit access is moderate (41.8%) and safety scores are mid-range (50.6).

The neighborhood is highly walkable and families primarily arrive on foot, given the area's pedestrian-friendly scale and strong family density. Car traffic is present but manageable for a residential area.