At a Glance
A zoned K-8 school with strong family trust and recovering test scores, sitting in a working-class neighborhood with high chronic absenteeism
Families who value a strong sense of community and trust in school leadership, are committed to consistent attendance, and want a K-8 option without testing into a specialized school. Parents should be prepared to actively address attendance challenges — the 72.8% chronic absenteeism rate suggests this is a community-wide pattern that could affect their child's experience.
- Exceptionally high trust metrics (97% parent-principal, 99% teacher-principal)
- 100% teacher-reported safety — the highest possible rating
- K-8 structure provides continuity through elementary and middle school
- Strong upper-grade performance (Grade 7-8 math above 75%)
- Very low suspension rate with zero racial disparities in discipline
- Chronic absenteeism at 72.8% is among the highest in the district — this significantly impacts learning
- Test scores slightly below district averages despite strong survey ratings
- No specialized programs beyond basic ELL support and honors tracks
- Lower grades show weaker math performance (Grade 6 math at 46.5%)
- High economic need (65%) means significant student turnover and mobility
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 21
District 21 is one of Brooklyn's most competitive districts, home to top-performing screened schools like Brooklyn School of Inquiry (94/100) and Mark Twain for the Gifted (93/100). P.S. 209, as a zoned school with an overall score of 2.37/4, sits below these peers and just below the district average. Families seeking specialized programs or higher test score floors may need to look at the district's charter or screened options.
Test scores at P.S. 209 have recovered and modestly exceeded pre-pandemic levels — 2025 ELA proficiency (58.2%) and math (60.5%) are higher than 2019 marks, though both remain slightly below the district averages of 60% ELA and 63% math. The school shows a clear pattern of stronger performance in upper grades, with Grade 8 hitting 68% ELA and 75% math, while Grade 6 math dips to 46.5%. The overall score of 2.37/4 places it just below the district average of 2.46, indicating this is an average-performing school in a district with several high-performing peers.
The survey data tells a remarkably positive story: families and teachers report near-universal trust in leadership (97% parent-principal, 99% teacher-principal), 100% teacher-reported safety, and 98% instruction quality ratings. Suspensions remain extremely rare (2 in 2023-24, none prior). However, the 72.8% chronic absenteeism rate is a serious red flag — nearly three-quarters of students are missing significant school time, with Asian students showing the highest rate at 80.5%. The attendance rate (92.3%) masks this underlying pattern of frequent absences.
The student body is majority white (42%) with significant Asian (28%) and Hispanic (25%) populations, a diverse mix for southern Brooklyn. Economic need index of 65.3% indicates a moderate-poverty population, and 21% of students have IEPs — both above district averages. The diversity index of 70% reflects this mixed demographic. This is a zoned school serving its neighborhood, meaning families are primarily local residents rather than choicers.
Gravesend is a working-to-middle-class neighborhood in southern Brooklyn with a family density score of just 41 (low for NYC), meaning it's not particularly child-saturated compared to other areas. The median home value ($630,340) and homeownership rate (37.1%) suggest a stable residential community. Safety scores are moderate (57th percentile), and transit access is average (53rd percentile). The neighborhood has a lower education orientation (58) compared to some adjacent areas, but the 35% BA+ rate indicates an engaged parent base.
Gravesend is a drivable suburban-style neighborhood — families without cars may find transit options limited compared to more centrally located Brooklyn neighborhoods
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) · 440 families responded (63% rate)
Programs & Activities
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. 209 Margaret Mead a good school?
- On Motley, P.S. 209 Margaret Mead earns an overall quality score of 59/100 — a blend of New York State ELA and math results, attendance, and the school-climate survey. Its state test results run in line with the District 21 average.
- What grades does P.S. 209 Margaret Mead serve?
- P.S. 209 Margaret Mead serves grades K to 8.
- How do students get into P.S. 209 Margaret Mead?
- P.S. 209 Margaret Mead admits by zone — families living in its attendance zone are generally guaranteed a seat.
- Is P.S. 209 Margaret Mead public, charter, or private?
- P.S. 209 Margaret Mead is a public school in NYC Community School District 21.
- What neighborhood is P.S. 209 Margaret Mead in?
- P.S. 209 Margaret Mead is in Gravesend (South), Brooklyn.
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