P.S. 219 Kennedy-King

Test scores at P.S. 219 have fluctuated dramatically over the past decade — from a low of 25% ELA in 2022 to 42.2% in 2025, with math showing a similar pattern. The 2025 results represent the school's strongest performance on record, with math proficiency reaching 50% and grade 3 scores (58.3% ELA, 62.2% math) actually exceeding district averages. However, grades 4 and 5 lag significantly behind, and the overall 1.84 overall score places the school well below the district average of 2.39. The pattern suggests the school may be stronger at the early elementary grades but struggles to maintain momentum through upper grades.

The climate data reveals a school with strong relational foundations but serious attendance struggles. Parents report exceptionally high trust in the principal (95%) and teachers (93%), and 89% report strong relationships at the school. Teachers give their own instruction quality a 95% rating — well above the district average of 89.8%. However, chronic absenteeism sits at a concerning 52.6%, with Black students missing school at a 56.4% rate. The school has had zero suspensions for two of the past three years, indicating effective behavioral approaches. The main caveat: survey response rates are low (15% family, 18 teachers), so while the signals are positive, they're based on limited participation.

P.S. 219 serves a predominantly Black community — 79% of students are Black, with 16% Hispanic, 4% white, and 1% multi-racial. This mirrors the East Flatbush-Remsen Village neighborhood, which has a similar demographic profile. The school has a high economic need index of 79.1%, meaning most families face financial challenges. Twenty-five percent of students have IEPs, and average class size is 21.9 students, on par with the district. PTA fundraising is modest at $50 per student, below the district average of $23.

East Flatbush-Remsen Village is a densely populated Brooklyn neighborhood with strong transit access (80.84 score) but significant challenges. The median household income is $57,611, and 18.9% of households live in poverty. Safety scores are low (14.18), and environmental health indicators show concerns with asthma rates and lead exposure. However, the neighborhood has a homeownership rate of 23.5% and median home values of $691,851, suggesting a stable community with long-term residents. Family density is moderate at 39%, and the area has resources like local parks and retail along major corridors.

The neighborhood is walkable with good transit access, making it feasible for families to walk or take public transportation. However, the low safety score and environmental factors like collision rates suggest parents should consider routes carefully.