P.S. 119 Amersfort

Test scores have climbed meaningfully from 29.8% ELA in 2016 to 54.6% today, and math from 24.6% to 43.2% — a near-doubling that reflects real instructional work. However, 2025 proficiency rates remain below the district average of 61% for ELA and 60% for math, placing this school in the lower third of District 22. The grade-level breakdown shows stronger third and fourth grade performance in math, while fifth grade math dips — a pattern worth watching for families evaluating trajectory.

The survey data tells a striking story: 95% of parents feel their children are safe at school, 98% trust the principal, and teachers report 98% trust in leadership — numbers most schools in the city would envy. The school has zero suspensions for three years running, suggesting a restorative or relationship-based approach to discipline. That said, chronic absenteeism sits at a concerning 58.7%, with Black students missing school at a 69.5% rate — a disparity families should factor into their thinking about attendance support.

The student body is 57% Black, 25% Asian, 12% Hispanic, and 4% White, with a diversity index of 64% — reflecting the neighborhood's demographics. Economic need is high at 69%, and 15% of students have IEPs. PTA fundraising is modest at $24 per student (well below the district average of $56), which may limit enrichment funding compared to peer schools.

Flatlands is a predominantly residential, family-dense neighborhood in southeast Brooklyn with a 60% homeownership rate and median household income around $85,000. The area scores well on transit (72) and family density (74), making it practical for commuters, though safety scores (52) are moderate. There are parks and local shopping options, and the neighborhood has a settled, community-oriented feel.

The area is quite walkable, with tree-lined streets and relatively low traffic on residential blocks — families in the zoned area can expect walks to school.