P.S. 108 Sal Abbracciamento

Test scores here are extraordinary by any measure: 75% ELA proficiency and 83% math proficiency compared to District 19 averages of 49% and 48%. But what's really striking is the trajectory — this school went from the mid-40s in 2016 to these numbers in 2025, essentially doubling performance in a decade. Third through fifth grade all perform in the 70-80% range across both subjects. The overall quality rating of 3.16/4 puts it well above the district average of 1.94. This isn't a screened school or a charter — it's a zoned elementary serving the neighborhood's kids.

The survey data is almost universally glowing: 96% of families are satisfied, 97% trust teachers, and 98% trust the principal. Teachers report similarly high marks — 96% say instruction quality is strong, 95% trust leadership, and an remarkable 98% feel safe at school. Zero suspensions for three straight years is extraordinary. But there's a tension: chronic absenteeism sits at 74%, the highest in any category in this dataset. This isn't a discipline problem — it's likely a neighborhood pattern involving housing instability, work schedules, or transportation that affects getting kids to school consistently.

This is a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood school with 82% Hispanic students, 10% Black, and very small Asian and white populations. With 86% economic need and 23% IEP students, this serves a genuinely high-need population. The diversity index of 38% is lower than many Brooklyn schools, reflecting the neighborhood's demographic makeup. PTA fundraising is modest at $15 per student (below the $18.50 district average), suggesting families give what they can rather than major fundraising campaigns.

Cypress Hills is a working-class Brooklyn neighborhood with a strong family presence (70% family density score) and decent transit options (65% transit score). Median home values of $659K suggest the area is gentrifying, but only 17% of residents have bachelor's degrees and 34% own homes. Education orientation is low at 33%, meaning this isn't a neighborhood where families are highly focused on school choice — they tend to send kids to their zoned school. There are parks and local shops, and the area has historically been a landing pad for immigrant families.

Cypress Hills is a walkable neighborhood where most zoned families can walk to school, though the area has limited subway access — families rely heavily on buses and walking