P.S. 153 Homecrest

Test scores at P.S. 153 have followed a bumpy trajectory — climbing steadily from 2016 to 2019, then dipping sharply during the pandemic before partially recovering. Today's 43.9% ELA and 49.8% math proficiency place this school well below District 21 averages (60% and 63% respectively), and the overall score of 1.87 out of 4 reflects that gap. There's a notable bright spot in third grade, where students are performing at 54.5% ELA and 58.5% math — roughly competitive with district averages — but scores drop substantially by fifth grade, suggesting that reading and math instruction may not be building sustained skill growth across the elementary years.

The survey data here tells a complicated story. Families are overwhelmingly positive — 93% satisfied, 97% trusting the principal, 95% reporting strong relationships. Teachers report feeling very safe (96%) and say instruction quality is solid (77%, though that's notably below the district average of 92.6%). But there's a significant crack in teacher-principal trust at just 58%, and only 20 teachers completed the survey — too small a sample to draw firm conclusions. Attendance is a concern: while the daily attendance rate (91.8%) slightly exceeds the district average, a striking 69.2% of students are chronically absent, meaning they miss 10% or more of the school year. On the positive side, there were zero suspensions last year — a marked improvement from prior years and a sign that the school handles behavior issues without removing students from the classroom.

The student body at P.S. 153 reflects its neighborhood's diversity: 37% Hispanic, 35% White, 22% Asian, with very small Black (2%) and Native American (4%) populations. The diversity index of 72% is genuinely high, and the economic need index of 78.6% means this school serves a substantially higher-need population than many District 21 peers. Eighteen percent of students have IEPs, slightly above typical. Families raised about $43 per student through the PTA last year — notably less than the district average of $78 per student, suggesting either lower fundraising capacity or less active parent fundraising culture.

Homecrest sits in a part of Brooklyn that scores high on family density (81st percentile) and education orientation (69th percentile), meaning families with children are common and residents prioritize educational resources. The neighborhood is politically and culturally stable but scores lower on safety (47 out of 100) and has relatively limited transit options (51st percentile). Median home values top $1 million, but household income ($69,445) suggests many families are stretched financially. There's a notable lead exposure concern (nearly 20% elevated rate) and asthma rates that are elevated compared to citywide benchmarks — environmental factors worth knowing for families with health sensitivities.

The area is moderately walkable but families commonly drive or use local bus routes. The neighborhood's lower transit score suggests car dependency is common, and the moderate safety score means parents of younger children may prefer accompanying walks to school.