P.S. 181 Brooklyn

Test scores at P.S. 181 have improved meaningfully over the past decade — ELA rose from 19% in 2016 to 34% in 2025, while math jumped from 13% to 45% — yet the school still trails the District 17 average (60.5% ELA, 57.3% math). The overall score of 1.57 out of 4 places this school in the lower tier compared to peer schools that include top-performing charters. Grade-level data shows stronger performance in upper grades (8th grade math at 55%, 6th grade ELA at 38%) than in elementary years, suggesting academic momentum builds as students move through the school.

The climate data reveals a striking disconnect between test scores and community sentiment. Parents report 88% satisfaction, 94% trust in teachers, and 96% trust in the principal — remarkably high figures. Teachers echo this, with 98% trusting the principal and 91% rating instruction quality strong. However, chronic absenteeism sits at a concerning 69%, far above what you'd expect given the strong relationship scores. The school maintains a low suspension rate (1%, with just 5 suspensions), indicating discipline is not a primary concern. The day-to-day feel appears to be one of relational warmth and safety, though getting students to show up consistently remains a challenge.

The student body is 86% Black, 9% Hispanic, and predominantly reflects the demographics of East Flatbush, a neighborhood with a long Caribbean-American heritage. With 77.7% economic need index and 17% IEP students, this is a school serving families facing substantial socioeconomic challenges. The diversity index of 31% is low, meaning students share similar backgrounds — which can foster cohesion but also means limited exposure to diverse perspectives within the school walls.

East Flatbush is a densely populated, family-oriented neighborhood in central Brooklyn with good transit access (71st percentile) but low safety scores (10.73). The area has a strong Caribbean identity, with many immigrant families and multigenerational households. Median home values of $710,000 reflect Brooklyn's housing costs, though the 17.4% homeownership rate means most families rent. The neighborhood has parks and community resources typical of a stable residential area, though safety concerns are part of daily life here.

Families in this zoned area likely walk or take short bus rides to school; the neighborhood is densely built-up with good street connectivity, though parents may be cautious about walk routes given the safety scores.