P.S. 059 The Dawn Best School

Test scores at P.S. 059 lag significantly behind the district average — ELA proficiency of 37.7% and math at 35.4% compared to district averages of 62% and 59% respectively. The school earns a 1.46 overall score on the 4-point scale, well below the district average of 2.44. However, year-over-year trends show genuine improvement: math climbed from 17% in 2016 to 35.4% in 2025, and ELA increased from 25.6% to 37.7% over the same period, though both have seen dips along the way. Grade-level data reveals a gap: 3rd graders perform strongest in math (47.7%), while 4th graders struggle most (28.9% in both subjects). This suggests the upper grades may need targeted intervention.

Here's where P.S. 059 tells a different story than the test scores suggest. The school climate data is exceptionally strong: 97% of parents report satisfaction, 96% trust their children's teachers, and 97% say the school fosters strong relationships. Teachers echo that sentiment — 96% rate instruction quality as strong, 94% trust their principal, and 94% feel safe at work. Discipline is another bright spot: the school has zero suspensions for the past two years, down from 2 in 2021-22. The tradeoff: attendance lags. At 84.6% (versus 88.9% district average), the school has a chronic absenteeism rate of nearly 40%, with Black students most affected at 44.4%. This suggests the strong culture doesn't yet translate to consistent daily attendance.

P.S. 059 serves a predominantly Black and Hispanic student body: 47% Black, 47% Hispanic, with tiny Asian (3%) and white (1%) populations. Nearly a quarter of students have IEPs, and the economic need index of 93 places this among the highest-need schools in the district. The diversity index sits at 52%, reflecting a relatively homogeneous community in Brooklyn terms. This is a school serving families with significant challenges — the neighborhood poverty rate is 23%, and most households rent rather than own their homes. Yet the community clearly rallies around the school, as evidenced by the 81% family survey response rate and the near-unanimous positive feedback.

Bedford-Stuyvesant is a dense, transit-connected neighborhood where families without cars can get around easily — the area scores 94.64 on transit access. It's family-heavy (87th percentile for family density) but scores low on stability (6.51) and safety (22.61). Environmental health indicators raise concerns: elevated lead rates (nearly 20%) and high asthma emergency department visits (104 per 1,000). The median home value of $1.18 million reflects Brooklyn's broader affordability pressures, but median household income of $70,755 means many families are cost-burdened. There's a strong education orientation in the neighborhood (69.35), suggesting families here prioritize schooling.

Highly walkable — Throop Avenue runs through a dense residential area. Families from the zone can easily walk, and the G train at Bedford-Nostrand is a short walk away. The area is flat and stroller-friendly, though street crossings near Throop can be busy.