P.S. 040 George W. Carver

P.S. 040's academic trajectory is remarkable — starting from just 20% proficiency in both subjects in 2016, the school now boasts 80.8% ELA and 85.1% math proficiency in 2025, both well above the district averages of 57.6% and 57%. The overall score of 3.32 out of 4 places it firmly above the district average of 2.29. However, there's a notable gap between grades — third graders are performing at near-universal proficiency (97.9% ELA, 95.7% math) while fifth graders show more modest results (57.4% ELA, 60% math), suggesting that either curriculum, instruction, or student transition patterns create divergence as students move up.

The survey data tells a story of extraordinary community cohesion — parent satisfaction sits at 97%, parent-principal trust at 100%, and teacher-reported safety at 100%. Every single survey dimension from both families and teachers shows near-unanimous positive responses, with teacher instruction quality rated at 99% and all trust metrics at maximum or near-maximum levels. The school has maintained a zero suspension rate for three consecutive years, indicating effective behavioral approaches. However, the 68.6% chronic absenteeism rate is a serious concern that pulls down the overall attendance rate to 91.1% — this suggests that while families clearly trust the school, getting students through the door consistently remains a challenge.

With 447 students in grades pre-K through 5th, the school reflects its neighborhood's demographics: 71% Black, 20% Hispanic, 5% Asian, and 2% White. The diversity index of 50% and economic need index of 83.1% indicate a community facing significant financial challenges but with meaningful demographic variety. At 16%, the IEP student population is notable. PTA fundraising is minimal at $8 per student ($3,751 total), well below the district average of $69 per student, suggesting either limited parent capacity for fundraising or different community priorities.

Bedford-Stuyvesant is a historically rich Brooklyn neighborhood with strong family density (87th percentile) and excellent transit access (95th percentile), making it commuter-friendly for working parents. However, the area scores low on safety (23rd percentile) and health environment (23rd percentile), with elevated crime density and asthma rates that parents may want to consider. The median home value of nearly $1.2 million reflects the neighborhood's changing character, while the 40.8% BA+ education rate suggests an educated parent population.

The neighborhood is highly walkable with excellent transit options — families can easily walk or take public transportation to school, which supports the zoned enrollment model