P.S. 123 Suydam

Test scores at P.S. 123 Suydam show a school that's been climbing back from a significant COVID slide. Math proficiency at 43.9% now exceeds the district average of 43.2%, a notable turnaround from the 20.2% seen in 2022. ELA at 37.6% is still below the district average of 45.9%, though the school has more than doubled its 2016 ELA performance (15.9%). Grade 4 shows particular strength in math (50% proficiency), while Grade 5 math drops to 33.3% — suggesting some developmental or instructional inconsistency in upper grades. The overall score of 1.63/4 trails the district average of 1.78, placing this school firmly in the middle tier academically.

The climate data tells a nuanced story. Teachers report 97% safety — higher than the district average — and nearly universal agreement that strong relationships exist between adults and families (96%). Parent trust in teachers and the principal both exceed 95%. However, the chronic absenteeism rate of 64.6% is a serious concern, particularly among Hispanic students (69%) and males (66.8%). This suggests that while families who are engaged are deeply connected, a large portion of the student body is frequently absent. Discipline is essentially nonexistent (one suspension last year), creating a peaceful environment. Teacher collegial trust (74%) and teacher-principal trust (79%) lag behind parent trust, hinting at some internal professional tensions.

P.S. 123 serves 538 students in a heavily Hispanic neighborhood — 89% of students identify as Hispanic, compared to the neighborhood's strong Latino demographic. The economic need index of 84.6% is high, reflecting significant poverty in the community. With only 3% Asian, 4% Black, and 3% White students, the student body is quite homogeneous. The diversity index of 26% is low, meaning most students share similar backgrounds. About 15% receive special education services, aligning with typical district rates. This is a school serving a specific community: working-class Hispanic families in Bushwick.

Bushwick is a neighborhood of contrasts: excellent transit access (84th percentile), growing family density (72nd percentile), and an education-oriented community (59th percentile), but significant safety concerns (17.6 score) and environmental health challenges. The median home value of $882,472 reflects rapid gentrification, though homeownership remains low at 11.1%. Asthma rates are notably high (104.4 per 1,000), and lead exposure rates of 21.2% are concerning — environmental factors families should be aware of. The neighborhood has become increasingly attractive to young families despite these challenges.

Bushwick is highly walkable with strong subway access via the L and JMZ lines, making car-free commuting feasible for most families. The area has seen significant commercial development along Wyckoff and Irving avenues.