P.S. 149 Danny Kaye

P.S. 149's test scores are striking — 78.9% ELA proficiency and 83.4% math proficiency put it far above the district averages of roughly 49% in both subjects, and well above most peer schools in District 19. The overall score of 3.25 out of 4 reflects this strong performance. But what's most notable is the trajectory: from just 17.5% ELA in 2016 to nearly 79% in 2025, this school has more than quadrupled its performance in under a decade, with particularly strong growth in the early grades.

The survey data paints an unusually positive picture — teacher-principal trust scores a perfect 100%, parent satisfaction hits 98%, and nearly every dimension (safety, relationships, instruction quality) lands in the mid-to-high 90s. The school has maintained very low suspension rates around 1%, though there's been a slight uptick from zero in 2022-23 to 3 suspensions last year. Families and teachers both report feeling heard and valued, and the 92% family survey response rate suggests strong engagement.

The school serves 479 students in a predominantly Black (56%) and Hispanic (38%) community, with very small Asian (3%) and White (2%) populations. The diversity index of 53% reflects this composition. With an economic need index of 85.9% — among the highest in the city — most families here face significant financial challenges, yet they're engaged: 442 families completed surveys and PTA fundraising reached over $8,000.

East New York is a working-class Brooklyn neighborhood with a family density score of 67.82 — it's a place where many children live, though only 17% of households have kids. Transit access is decent (70.88 score), but safety concerns are real: the safety score of 24.9 is low, reflecting higher crime density. The median home value of $616,916 has risen significantly, suggesting some gentrification pressure, but median household income remains moderate at $57,841 with a 25% poverty rate. Families should know the neighborhood has improved in recent years but still carries safety considerations.

The neighborhood is relatively walkable for a Brooklyn outer-borough area, and many families likely walk or use short bus rides. The transit score suggests decent access to subway or bus lines, though commutes to other parts of the city can be lengthy.