P.S. 114 Ryder Elementary

P.S. 114 has flipped its academic story. Math proficiency at 74.2% puts it well above the district average of 61.4%, and ELA at 63.6% also beats the district's 58.4%. But the trajectory matters — the school started from 15.8% math in 2016 and has climbed steadily, with a particularly dramatic jump from 2024 to 2025 (math jumped nearly 26 points). Grade-level data reveals an interesting pattern: third graders are thriving (92.3% math, 73.5% ELA), fourth grade shows a dip (52.6% math, 48.1% ELA), and fifth grade rebounds strongly (81% math, 72.5% ELA). This suggests something shifts in the upper grades that may be worth investigating.

The survey data tells a remarkably consistent story: families and teachers feel good about this school. Parent satisfaction hits 94%, trust in teachers and the principal both sit at 96%, and every single parent surveyed reported 'strong relationships' at the school. Teachers are equally positive — 99% rate instruction quality as strong, and 100% report feeling safe. These numbers far exceed district averages. The one tension: chronic absenteeism at 55.4% is exceptionally high, pulling daily attendance to 88.8% (slightly below the 90.5% district average). Discipline is essentially a non-issue with just one suspension last year and a near-zero suspension rate.

P.S. 114 serves 365 students, predominantly Black (77%) with significant Hispanic representation (13%). The economic need index of 78.1% is high — nearly 8 in 10 students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Twenty percent have IEPs. The community is clearly working-class Canarsie, where median household income is $82,184 and half of residents own their homes. The diversity index of 44% reflects a relatively homogeneous student body, which is typical for this neighborhood. PTA fundraising is minimal at $5 per student (versus a district average of $23), suggesting fewer extra enrichment dollars flowing in.

Canarsie is a quiet, residential corner of southeastern Brooklyn known for its tree-lined blocks, single-family homes, and relatively strong homeownership rates. The neighborhood scores moderately on safety (57/100) and transit (66/100), with decent access to the L train. It's a family-dense area where households with children make up a solid portion of the community, though the education orientation score (62/100) suggests moderate emphasis on schools. Families should know that Canarsie is more suburban in feel than many parts of Brooklyn — walking to school is common, and the neighborhood has a settled, stable character.

Canarsie is a walkable residential neighborhood where most families arrive on foot or by car. The area has a suburban feel with wider streets and less foot traffic than denser parts of Brooklyn. Public transit access is decent via the L train and bus routes, but driving is common.