P.S. 034 Oliver H. Perry

These numbers are remarkable. P.S. 034's 92.4% ELA and 89% math proficiency sit roughly 30 percentage points above the District 14 averages — a gap that places it among the highest-performing elementaries in Brooklyn. But what makes this story noteworthy is the trajectory: in 2019, the school was at 53% ELA and 63% math, essentially at district average. Between 2022 and 2025, scores nearly jumped 30 points. Grade-level breakdowns show consistency across third, fourth, and fifth grade — all above 90% in ELA and high 80s-90s in math — suggesting this isn't a single cohort anomaly but a schoolwide shift.

The survey data tells a story of a school that has built genuine trust. Parent satisfaction hits 94%, parent-teacher trust 96%, and parent-principal trust 96% — numbers that reflect a community that feels heard and valued. Teachers are equally invested: 99% report trusting the principal, 94% have collegial trust, and a striking 100% report feeling safe. There have been zero suspensions over the past three years, and 81% of teachers rate instruction quality as strong. The attendance rate of 93.2% exceeds the district average, though chronic absenteeism at 80% is notably high — a disconnect worth investigating, as high-performing schools typically see lower chronic absence rates.

At 73% White, 14% Hispanic, 4% Black, 4% Asian, and 6% multiracial, P.S. 034's demographics skew notably whiter than much of Brooklyn. The diversity index sits at 52%, and with an economic need index of 32.2%, it serves a student body that is less economically disadvantaged than many nearby schools. This reflects Greenpoint's shifting demographics — a historically working-class immigrant neighborhood that has seen significant gentrification, with median household incomes now over $126,000 and 64.8% of residents holding bachelor's degrees. The PTA raised $420 per student this year, well above the district average, indicating active family engagement.

Greenpoint offers a mix of old and new Brooklyn — iconic Polish delis sit alongside boutique coffee shops, and the neighborhood maintains a tight-knit, family-oriented feel despite increasing development. The area scores highly on education orientation (85th percentile), reflecting the concentration of families with children and the emphasis on schools. Safety scores are moderate (54th percentile), and transit access is decent. Greenpoint has seen an influx of young families in recent years, driving up home values to a median of $1.34 million — though only 18% of residents own, meaning most families are renters.

Greenpoint is very walkable, and most zoned families arrive on foot. The neighborhood's grid layout and pedestrian-friendly streets make it manageable for young children walking to school, though traffic along main avenues can be busy during drop-off and pickup times.