P.S. 186 Dr. Irving A Gladstone

P.S. 186's academics tell a story of resilience and uneven recovery. The school's 73.8% math proficiency outpaces the district average of 71.2%, a genuine strength — particularly notable in 4th grade where math hits an impressive 82.8%. However, ELA proficiency at 65% sits just below the district average of 66.2%, suggesting reading and writing instruction may need attention. The historical trend shows volatility: scores dropped in 2019 and 2022 (the pandemic years), then surged in 2023 before dipping again in 2024, with the most recent 2025 results showing strong gains in both subjects. This up-and-down pattern suggests the school is still finding stable academic footing after disruption.

The culture here is genuinely warm and trusting — that's the standout. Parent satisfaction hits 95%, with nearly all families expressing trust in both teachers (98%) and the principal (99%). Teachers report feeling supported too: instruction quality scores 93%, and teacher-principal trust sits at 90%, with an impressive 95% collegial trust among staff. Safety perception is nearly universal at 98%. Attendance is solid at 95%, but there's a troubling pattern underneath: chronic absenteeism sits at a high 86.4% — meaning only about 14% of students are chronically absent, which is actually quite good. Wait, let me recalculate: 86.4% chronic absenteeism is actually quite high, which is a significant concern that cuts against the otherwise positive survey picture. Discipline is minimal — just one suspension last year with a 0% rate — reflecting a school that manages behavior through relationship rather than exclusion.

This is a predominantly Asian (39%) and white (31%) school with significant Hispanic representation (28%), reflecting Bensonhurst's demographics. The economic need index of 72.2% is notably high — well above typical for this neighborhood — indicating many families face financial challenges despite the area's relatively stable appearance. About 15% of students have IEPs, and the diversity index of 65% suggests a reasonably mixed student body, though Black families are notably underrepresented (1%).

Bensonhurst is a classic Brooklyn working-to-middle-class neighborhood, known for its tight-knit Italian and Asian communities and family-oriented feel. The area scores very high on family density (89th percentile) but lower on safety (40th percentile) and stability (20th percentile), suggesting a neighborhood in flux with some turnover. Transit options are moderate (46th percentile), and while there are parks and local businesses along 18th and 19th Avenues, this isn't a neighborhood where you can ditch the car easily. Median home values over $1 million reflect its desirability for families, though the homeownership rate of 32.4% means many families rent.

Families primarily walk or drive — this is a car-dependent stretch of Brooklyn where parents with younger children often walk them to school, while those coming from farther afield rely on cars or the bus