P.S. 158 Warwick

Test scores at P.S. 158 have climbed steadily from 25% ELA in 2016 to nearly 40% today — a 15-point jump that reflects real instructional work. Math gains have been even sharper, from 15% to 39%. However, the school still sits below the district average (49% ELA, 48% math), meaning students are catching up but not yet keeping pace with their peers across District 19. Grade-level data reveals a split: fourth graders perform solidly (52% ELA, 63% math), while fifth graders struggle especially in math (just 14%). This inconsistency suggests some strong teaching happens here, but it's not consistent across grades or subjects.

The numbers here tell two different stories. Parents love this school — 93% satisfied, 96% trust teachers, 100% report strong relationships. Safety scores from families are strong at 93%. Yet only 69% of teachers trust each other, and a concerning 40% trust the principal — a red flag for staff morale and retention. The school has zero suspensions over three years, which is exceptional and suggests either excellent behavior or very permissive discipline. The biggest worry: 54.6% of students are chronically absent, nearly double what would be considered acceptable. This isn't a school with a culture problem — it's a school where the community feels warm but daily habits are hard to break.

The student body is predominantly Black (47%) and Hispanic (45%), reflecting the neighborhood's demographics. With 86% economic need and 16% IEP students, this is a high-poverty school serving kids who face significant out-of-school challenges. Class sizes average 22, matching the district average. The diversity index of 55% indicates a reasonably mixed population, though white and Asian families are rare. At 426 students, the school is small enough that families can know each other — which may explain the high parent satisfaction scores.

East New York is a transit-rich, family-dense part of Brooklyn where homeownership has climbed recently but education rates remain low (only 16% of adults have bachelor's degrees). The neighborhood scores poorly on safety (25th percentile) and has elevated asthma rates and lead exposure concerns — environmental factors that affect student health and attendance. There are few high-performing school options here, which gives P.S. 158 a captive audience. Families without cars rely on the strong transit score (71st percentile), and the area's high family density (68th percentile) means lots of kids walk to school together.

Families in this zoned neighborhood typically walk or take short bus rides. The area is pedestrian-friendly for elementary-age children, though parents report vigilance around traffic on main arteries.