P.S. 193 Gil Hodges

Test scores at P.S. 193 hover near district averages — ELA proficiency at 58.5% versus the district average of 61%, and math at 64.1% versus 60.5%, essentially matching peer performance. Looking at the historical trend, math has climbed dramatically from 37.5% in 2016 to 64.1% in 2025, while ELA saw more modest growth before dipping to 40.6% in 2024 before rebounding to 58.5% in 2025. Grade-level data shows consistent performance across grades 3-5, with math peaking at 68.6% in grade 4. The school scores 2.45 out of 4 overall, essentially tied with the district average of 2.43. For a zoned school that doesn't screen its students, these numbers represent solid, workmanlike academic performance — not district-leading, but competent.

Here's where P.S. 193 truly stands out: 94% of parents report satisfaction, 98% trust teachers, and an extraordinary 100% report 'strong relationships' between staff and families. Teachers rate instruction quality at 97% and feel 98% safe in the building — both well above district averages. Leadership trust among teachers sits at 88%, slightly lower than family trust but still strong. The discipline record is flawless: zero suspensions for three straight years. However, there's a significant wrinkle — chronic absenteeism sits at 71.6%, dramatically above typical benchmarks, with particularly high rates among Black students (83.1%) and multiracial students (88.9%). This suggests some families are struggling with attendance even while reporting high satisfaction with the school's environment.

With 484 students across grades K-5, P.S. 193 draws primarily from its zoned neighborhood, creating a community school feel. The student body is notably diverse: 33% white, 29% Black, 16% Asian, 16% Hispanic, plus multiracial and Native American students — a diversity index of 86%. Nearly 70% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch (economic need index of 69.6%), and 17% have IEPs. This mix reflects Midwood's complex socioeconomic landscape — a neighborhood with high education levels and home values, but meaningful pockets of economic hardship. PTA fundraising of $38 per student is below the district average of $56, suggesting fewer resources for enrichment than some peer schools.

Midwood is a densely populated, transit-accessible Brooklyn neighborhood with strong family presence (66.28 family density score) and education orientation (67.43). The area offers good subway access and several nearby parks, though safety scores (41.38) suggest parents should be aware of neighborhood conditions. With a median home value over $920,000 and a 17% poverty rate, Midwood sits at an economic crossroads — professionals and working families side by side. The neighborhood's high education rate (49.2% BA+) means families here tend to be engaged with schools, though the lower homeownership rate (32.2%) indicates a substantial renter population.

Midwood is a walkable neighborhood where most zoned families can reach the school on foot; the Avenue L location is accessible via local bus routes and a short walk from the subway