P.S. 264 Bay Ridge Elementary School For The Arts

With 75.5% ELA and 75.1% math proficiency, this school runs roughly 9-10 points above the district average in reading and about 4 points above in math — a meaningful edge. The scores have climbed steadily from 61.3% and 65.5% in 2023 to today’s numbers, showing real upward momentum. Grade 3 performs particularly strong (80.6% ELA, 83.1% math), suggesting early intervention is working, while Grade 4 math dips to 63.9% — a spot where some families may want to watch for extra support.

The survey data tells a striking story: 97% of parents trust teachers, 93% are satisfied with the school, and 98% of teachers report feeling safe. These are numbers most schools would celebrate. But there’s a wrinkle — teachers’ trust in the principal sits at 75%, notably lower than other measures. It’s not a crisis, but it’s something a parent might ask about at back-to-school night. The discipline record is spotless with zero suspensions over three years, and the school feels, by the numbers, like a trusting and safe environment for kids.

The student body is majority white (51%) with a substantial Hispanic population (32%) and smaller Asian (12%) and Black (3%) groups. That 64% diversity index sits comfortably in the middle for Brooklyn. The economic need index of 61.3% indicates a meaningful chunk of families qualifying for free or reduced lunch — this isn’t an exclusive enrollment. Bay Ridge itself is a neighborhood of homeowners (37.5%) and renters, with a median home value over $900,000, meaning families here span a range of income levels.

Bay Ridge offers families solid transit (78.54 score) and a neighborhood feel that’s family-dense (79.31). There are parks along the waterfront and along commercial corridors on Third and Fourth Avenues. The safety score (44.06) is on the lower end, which reflects the reality of an urban neighborhood — parents should visit to get a feel for the blocks around the school. The education orientation score (75.48) suggests this is a neighborhood where families take schools seriously.

Bay Ridge is very walkable, with the school accessible from several directions. Families in the zone can typically walk or drive, and the area has decent street parking. The 86th Street commercial strip is a short distance away.