P.S. 261 Zipporiah Mills

Test scores at P.S. 261 sit essentially at district average — 66.9% ELA versus 65.5% district-wide, and 61% math versus 63.3% district-wide. The overall score of 2.56 out of 4 matches the district average of 2.58. Grade 5 stands out with 75% ELA proficiency, significantly outpacing grades 3 and 4. The school experienced a dramatic dip during the pandemic (2022 ELA dropped to 46.9%) but rebounded strongly to 67.9% in 2023, suggesting recovery is underway. That said, in a neighborhood where families can access schools scoring 90-95 on state metrics, these numbers feel underwhelming.

The survey data tells a complex story. Families are overwhelmingly positive — 90% parent satisfaction, 96% parent-teacher trust, and 95% report strong relationships. Teachers give high marks on safety (98%) and collegial trust (84%), but notably lower scores on trust in leadership (69%) and instruction quality (78%, below the district average of 89%). Discipline is exemplary with zero suspensions across three years. The day-to-day feel appears warm and safe for families, though there may be some tension between staff and leadership that doesn't bubble up to parents.

The student body is notably whiter (47%) than the district average, reflecting the neighborhood's demographics. About one-third of students (34.2%) qualify for free or reduced lunch, well below the citywide average, indicating a predominantly middle-to-upper-income population. The diversity index of 78% is high, with meaningful representation of Black (19%), Hispanic (18%), and multiracial (10%) students. PTA fundraising of $357 per student — while below the district average of $491 — still represents substantial parent investment in the school community.

The school sits in one of Brooklyn's most transit-accessible and family-dense neighborhoods. Parents benefit from excellent subway connections (98th percentile for transit) and an education-oriented community where 73% of adults hold bachelor's degrees or higher. The area has a high median home value ($1.46 million) and low poverty rate (15.5%), creating an environment where educational expectations run high. Safety scores (21st percentile) are notably low, reflecting urban density concerns that parents should factor into their calculus.

Excellent transit access makes this highly walkable and subway-friendly for families without cars, though the area's density and lower safety scores mean families with young children may prefer active supervision during commutes.