P.S. 202 Ernest S. Jenkyns

Test scores at P.S. 202 tell a complicated story. The school made impressive gains from 2016 to 2023, with ELA climbing from 10% to 47% and Math from 10% to 35% — a testament to instructional improvement. But 2025 scores show a sharp reversal, with ELA at 22.7% and Math at 22.3%, placing the school significantly below the district averages of 48.9% ELA and 48.2% Math. Grade-level data shows Grade 4 performing slightly better (28% ELA) while Grade 3 lags (18.2% ELA). Students here are catching up, not leading — and the recent regression means families should ask the school what changed and what supports are now in place.

The culture here is a genuine bright spot. Parents report 96% satisfaction — well above the district average — and nearly universal trust in leadership (98% parent-principal trust, 93% parent-teacher trust). Teachers report 100% trust in the principal and fellow teachers, and 89% rate instruction quality as strong. Safety perception is solid at 88%. The discipline trajectory is remarkable: zero suspensions in 2023-24 after having 4 in 2021-22. However, chronic absenteeism is a real concern at 40.3% — nearly double the district average — suggesting attendance engagement remains a challenge. The school has built strong relational foundations; the next push needs to be getting kids in seats consistently.

This is a high-need community in every sense. With 89.5% economic need index and 60% of students Black, 34% Hispanic, the school reflects the neighborhood's demographic makeup. Nearly one-quarter of students (22%) have IEPs, suggesting robust special education services. The diversity index sits at 50%, fairly typical for this part of Brooklyn. These families are working through significant challenges — the neighborhood has a 22.6% poverty rate and median income of $58,000 — and many are relying on the school as a stable resource.

East New York sits in eastern Brooklyn, historically a working-class neighborhood now undergoing gradual change. Safety scores here are low (31/100), reflecting real concerns families have about the area. However, transit access is decent (69/100) with good subway connectivity, and family density is moderate (64/100). The neighborhood has seen new housing development pushing median home values above $600,000, but poverty remains at 22.6% and only 29% of residents own homes. Parks and recreational resources are limited compared to more affluent parts of the city.

The area is walkable but families should consider transit options — the neighborhood has reasonable subway access, though many families drive or take buses. Street safety is a concern given the low safety score.