P.S. 116 Elizabeth L Farrell

Test scores at P.S. 116 tell a story of recovery but persistent challenge. The school dropped dramatically in 2022 (ELA 14.8%, Math 17.8%) but has clawed back to 2024-25 levels of 21.5% ELA and 33.6% math — still roughly half the district averages of 45.9% and 43.2% respectively. Fourth grade shows particular strength in math (50% proficiency), while fifth grade struggles in both subjects (18.4% ELA, 24.5% math). The school performs slightly better in math than reading, and while the upward trend from the 2022 nadir is real, students here are catching up rather than leading — a gap of roughly 20+ percentage points from district peers.

The survey data here is genuinely remarkable and tells a different story than the test scores. Parents give the school 94% satisfaction, with 96% trust in both teachers and the principal — numbers most schools in the city would celebrate. Teachers report 98% trust in the principal and 97% feel safe in the building. The family survey had a 97% response rate, suggesting deep community engagement. Attendance is roughly average at 92%, but chronic absenteeism is a serious concern at 70.7% — meaning nearly three-quarters of students missed significant school time. Discipline is minimal (2 suspensions last year, after zero the prior two years), suggesting a relational approach to behavior. The day-to-day feel is clearly warm and trusting, though chronic absenteeism may reflect broader family challenges beyond school control.

This is a remarkably homogeneous school: 94% Hispanic, with tiny Asian (1%), Black (3%), and White (1%) populations. The diversity index sits at just 16%. Nearly 90% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch (economic need index 88.3%), and 16% have IEPs. The PTA raised only $1,319 total last year (about $4 per student, far below the district average of $17) — a reflection of the economic realities in this community rather than a lack of engagement. The neighborhood around the school is similarly working-class, with a 23.9% poverty rate, median household income of $67K, and only 20.5% homeownership. This is a school that serves families facing real economic constraints.

Bushwick is a dense, transit-rich Brooklyn neighborhood with strong family presence (82.76 percentile for family density) but significant safety concerns. The safety score of 23.75 is low, and crime density is elevated. However, the area offers excellent public transit (89.66 transit score) and is increasingly known for its restaurant scene and community feel. Environmental health indicators show elevated rates of childhood asthma and some lead exposure concerns. Families in the neighborhood are largely working-class renters (20.5% homeownership), and the community has a grounded, authentic character. The school sits within this context — families here are navigating urban challenges while building community roots.

The school is in a walkable urban neighborhood with strong transit access. Most families in this zoned school walk or take public transit; the area is densely populated with mixed-use buildings and good foot traffic.