P.S. 255 Barbara Reing School

Test scores have climbed sharply — ELA at 68.5% and math at 72.2% both exceed the district averages of roughly 61% and 60% respectively, and the overall score of 2.81 outpaces the district average of 2.43. The recovery from COVID-era lows (2022 saw 49.6% ELA and 55.3% math) is particularly notable. Third graders are performing especially strongly with 75.8% ELA and 83.6% math proficiency, though performance drops somewhat in upper grades.

The survey data tells a remarkably positive story: 95% of parents are satisfied, and trust between families and teachers (98%) and between families and the principal (98%) is nearly universal. Teachers rate instruction quality at 99% and report feeling safe (96%). There's a small teacher sample (35 responses), but the collegial trust among educators is strong at 94%. Discipline is notably absent — zero suspensions for three consecutive years. The attendance picture is the clear concern: while the daily attendance rate of 91.4% matches the district average, chronic absenteeism at 65.6% means nearly two-thirds of students are missing significant school time.

The student body is majority white (55%) with significant Asian representation (27%), while the neighborhood shows more economic diversity with a 72.6% economic need index and 16.9% poverty rate. About 18% of students have IEPs, and the diversity index sits at 64%. PTA fundraising of $31 per student is below the district average of $56, suggesting moderate but not extensive fundraising activity.

Madison is a family-dense Brooklyn neighborhood with excellent transit scores (82) and a strong education orientation (75), but safety scores are modest (46) and stability is low (25). The area has a high homeownership rate (45%) and median home values over $946,000, with 42% of residents holding bachelor's degrees. There are indicators of environmental health concerns — elevated lead rates and asthma emergency department visits are notable.

Transit access is strong, and the neighborhood is largely residential with single-family homes — families typically walk or drive, and the area is generally navigable by foot