P.S. 130 The Parkside

P.S. 130's 2025 scores of 69.8% ELA and 68.3% Math put it modestly above the District 15 averages (65.5% and 63.3% respectively), making it an above-average performer in a competitive borough. The school has shown real progress over the past decade — climbing from the mid-40s in both subjects in 2016-2017 to current levels, with a notable jump to the mid-60s during the pandemic recovery. Grade-level data shows Grade 3 performing strongest (76-77%), while Grade 4 lags somewhat (58% in both subjects). The 2.76 overall score also beats the district average of 2.58. These aren't top-tier numbers, but they're solid and improving.

The survey data here is extraordinary. Parents give 92% satisfaction, and virtually every trust metric — parent-teacher (97%), parent-principal (98%), teacher-principal (96%), teacher collegial (98%) — clocks in at sky-high levels. Teachers report 100% safety. The school has had zero suspensions for three consecutive years. These numbers suggest a genuinely warm, trusting environment where discipline issues are handled through relationships, not punishment. However, chronic absenteeism is a concern at 83% — notably higher than the 16-17% typical citywide, and the rates vary significantly by group (White students at 91.8% attendance vs. Black and Hispanic students at 66-70%). This suggests some families may be struggling with consistent attendance despite the school's positive culture.

The student body is 55% White, 20% Hispanic, 14% Asian, and 6% Black — notably less diverse than the neighborhood's diversity index of 71%, but still fairly representative. Eighteen percent of students have IEPs, which is typical. The economic need index of 38 indicates a moderate-to-high income population, consistent with the surrounding neighborhood's $138k median household income. Parent engagement is clearly strong: the 74% family survey response rate is exceptional (most schools struggle to hit 30%), and the school pulled 658 family survey responses — a huge number suggesting deep participation. PTA fundraising of $169 per student is lower than the district average of $491, which is interesting given the neighborhood's wealth — perhaps a sign of different fundraising cultures rather than less engagement.

Windsor Terrace-South Slope is one of Brooklyn's most family-oriented neighborhoods, with 74% of residents holding BA+ degrees and a strong education orientation score of 79. The median home value of $1.3 million and homeownership rate of 40% signal a stable, economically secure community. Families cite the access to Prospect Park, good transit options (score: 65), and the neighborhood's village-like feel. Safety scores are moderate (55), and environmental health indicators suggest some concerns about air quality and lead exposure that parents in urban neighborhoods commonly weigh.

The school sits on Ocean Parkway with good access to nearby transit. Many families walk — this is a neighborhood where kids commonly bike or walk to school, and the area's moderate safety scores and density make that feasible for older elementary students.