P.S. 089 Cypress Hills

Test scores at P.S. 089 sit well below the District 19 averages: 21.2% ELA proficiency versus the district's 48.9%, and 34.7% math versus 48.2%. Science (52.6%) performs comparatively stronger. The school earned an overall score of 1.12 out of 4 — below the district average of 1.94. Grade-level data reveals a wide spread: 8th graders perform markedly better (38.6% ELA, 52.6% math) while 4th graders show the lowest proficiency (7.7% ELA, 12.2% math). This suggests the school may be more effective at supporting older students or that early intervention needs are going unmet.

The school's climate data tells a story of strong relational trust but concerning attendance patterns. Parents report exceptionally high satisfaction (93%) and near-universal trust in teachers (97%) and the principal (96%). Teachers rate instruction quality at 88% and report 92% safety — both essentially on par with district averages. However, chronic absenteeism is alarmingly high at 76.5% (district average is lower), meaning roughly three-quarters of students are missing significant school time. Suspensions have trended upward slightly (9 in 2023-24, up from 5-6 in prior years), though the 2% rate remains close to the 1.6% district average. The disconnect between high trust/satisfaction and poor attendance is worth investigating — families clearly feel connected to the school community, but getting students through the door consistently remains a challenge.

P.S. 089 is a nearly monoracial school: 97% Hispanic, 2% Black, with essentially no Asian or white students. This mirrors the Cypress Hills neighborhood, which is predominantly Hispanic with a growing Dominican and Puerto Rican population. The economic need index is very high at 85.4%, and 22% of students have IEPs. The diversity index of 8% reflects this homogeneity. Families report deep engagement through surveys (374 family responses, an 87% response rate) — this is a community that participates, even if academic outcomes are struggling.

Cypress Hills is a dense, working-class neighborhood in eastern Brooklyn with significant family presence (70.5 percentile for family density) but lower education orientation (32.57). The median household income of $66,262 and homeownership rate of 33.5% suggest a stable, if modest, community. Safety concerns are notable: the safety score of 38.31 is low, with elevated crime density and a lead-elevated rate of nearly 20%. Transit access is decent (65.52), and the area has seen real estate interest with median home values around $659,000. Families should know the neighborhood has improved in recent years but retains challenges around air quality (PM2.5 levels) and environmental health.

Cypress Hills is a walkable neighborhood with strong family density — many students likely walk or take short bus rides. The area is served by transit (moderate scores), though families commuting from farther afield would need to plan for longer travel times.