At a Glance
A high-performing zoned school in a family-dense neighborhood where strong academics meet exceptional family engagement
Families who live within the P.S. 176 zone and value a school with strong academics, highly engaged parents, and a collaborative environment. The school works well for families who can participate in the active PTA community and who want a zoned school that consistently outperforms district averages — particularly in math.
- Math proficiency at 81% — well above the 71% district average and a genuine strength
- Exceptional family engagement with a 94% survey response rate and $150K+ annual PTA fundraising
- Zero suspensions for three consecutive years — a discipline record that reflects a positive school culture
- Parent trust ratings near 98% — families clearly feel heard and respected
- Strongest performance in Grade 4, suggesting particularly effective upper-elementary instruction
- The high chronic absenteeism figure (89.4%) appears anomalous given the strong attendance rate — parents should clarify this metric with the school
- With a 78% economic need index, nearly 8 in 10 students come from economically challenged backgrounds — a factor that shapes the school community and may require additional family resources
- The school is zoned only — families outside the boundary cannot apply unless they pursue a variance
- 13% of students have IEPs, indicating moderate special education representation
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 20
Among District 20 peer schools, P.S. 176 performs competitively — the Christa McAuliffe School leads at 94/100, but Ovington's 3.02 overall score (versus the district average of 2.75) places it in the upper tier. The school's strongest differentiators are its family engagement metrics and discipline record, which outpace many peers.
With 70% ELA proficiency and 81% math proficiency, P.S. 176 exceeds the District 20 averages (66% and 71% respectively). The school has shown steady academic improvement over the past decade, climbing from 58% ELA in 2016 to 70% in 2025, with math jumping from 69% to 81% over the same period. Grade 4 students perform strongest, hitting nearly 75% ELA and 84% math proficiency — a notable strength that suggests strong upper-elementary instruction.
The survey data paints a remarkably positive picture. Parent satisfaction sits at 96%, with 98% trust in teachers and 96% trust in the principal — numbers that reflect a school community where families feel genuinely connected. Teachers report 95% instruction quality and 98% safety, and there's been zero suspensions for three consecutive years. The day-to-day feel is clearly collaborative and trusting. Attendance is strong at 95.6%, slightly above the district average.
The student body is 66% Asian, 21% Hispanic, 11% White, 1% Black, and 1% Native American, giving the school a moderate diversity index of 52%. The neighborhood around Dyker Heights is family-dense (77% family density score) with a 51.7% homeownership rate, which helps explain the high family engagement and PTA fundraising. The 78% economic need index suggests a meaningful portion of families face economic challenges, yet the school maintains strong academic outcomes.
Dyker Heights is a residential Brooklyn neighborhood with a family-oriented feel — 78% family density and 52% homeownership create a stable, child-heavy community. The area scores 65.5 for education orientation, showing families here prioritize schools. Transit access is decent (64th percentile), though it's more of a car-friendly, walking neighborhood than a transit hub. Safety scores 56th percentile — typical for Brooklyn, with property crime being the primary concern rather than violent crime.
Highly walkable neighborhood — families with children in the zone typically walk to school, and the tree-lined residential streets make for a pleasant commute. Street parking can be competitive during drop-off and pickup times.
Academic Performance
ELA Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State ELA exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Math Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State Math exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 972 families responded (94% rate)
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
PTA Fundraising
Source: DOE Local Law 171 disclosure
Economic Need & Special Populations
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database (2023-24)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is P.S. 176 Ovington a good school?
- On Motley, P.S. 176 Ovington earns an overall quality score of 76/100 — a blend of New York State ELA and math results, attendance, and the school-climate survey. Its state test results run above the District 20 average.
- What grades does P.S. 176 Ovington serve?
- P.S. 176 Ovington serves grades K to 5.
- How do students get into P.S. 176 Ovington?
- P.S. 176 Ovington admits by zone — families living in its attendance zone are generally guaranteed a seat.
- Is P.S. 176 Ovington public, charter, or private?
- P.S. 176 Ovington is a public school in NYC Community School District 20.
- What neighborhood is P.S. 176 Ovington in?
- P.S. 176 Ovington is in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.
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