P.S. 224 Hale A. Woodruff

Test scores at P.S. 224 have more than doubled over the past nine years — ELA climbed from 13% to 36% and math from 11% to 40% — a meaningful trajectory in a district where the average is roughly 49% in both subjects. The 2024-2025 school year shows particularly strong growth in math (40%, up from 23% in 2022). However, the school remains below the District 19 averages of 48.9% ELA and 48.2% math, and the overall quality score of 1.53 out of 4 reflects that there's still ground to cover. Grade-level data shows 5th graders outperforming in ELA (45%) but struggling in math (31%), suggesting uneven skill development across subjects and grade levels.

The survey data tells a compelling story: this is a school where families feel heard and supported. Parent satisfaction sits at 93%, and nearly every parent surveyed — 96% — trusts the teachers, while 97% trust the principal. Teachers report similarly strong collegial bonds (86%) and trust in leadership (85%), with an especially striking 97% feeling safe in the building — well above the district average of 92%. There have been zero suspensions for three consecutive years. The challenge is attendance: chronic absenteeism affects half the student body (50.9%), with female students and Black students slightly more likely to be chronically absent. The 87.6% attendance rate trails the district average of 89.9%. This suggests the strong culture inside the building hasn't fully translated into consistent daily attendance.

The student body is predominantly Black (63%) and Hispanic (32%), reflecting the East New York neighborhood's demographics. Nearly all students (93.4%) come from economically disadvantaged households, and 21% have individualized education programs — slightly above typical District 19 averages. Class sizes average 21.8 students, right at the district norm. The diversity index of 49% indicates moderate demographic variety within the school, though the population is less diverse than some peer schools in the district.

East New York-City Line is a densely residential Brooklyn neighborhood with significant challenges. The median household income of $50,860 is below citywide averages, and 27% of residents live in poverty. Only 14% of adults have a bachelor's degree or higher. The area scores very low on education orientation (18 out of 100) and stability (6 out of 100), reflecting transience and limited educational infrastructure. However, transit access is strong (69 percentile), making the area more connected to the rest of the city than some other parts of Brooklyn. The safety score (28) is concerning — crime density is elevated — but the neighborhood has seen ongoing development and community investment in recent years.

The school is accessible by foot from surrounding residential blocks. Families in the zoned area can walk, while those from further afield rely on public bus lines that serve the neighborhood. The area is predominantly residential with some commercial corridors nearby.