P.S. 270 Johann DeKalb

Test scores at P.S. 270 have followed an unusual trajectory — dipping dramatically to just 4.2% ELA and 8.7% math in 2023 before jumping to 29.2% and 22.2% respectively in 2025. This volatility makes it hard to pin down the school's academic identity. What's clear is that current proficiency rates sit roughly half the district average (53% ELA, 46% math), meaning students are performing well below their peers in District 13. The overall quality score of 1.03 out of 4 is the lowest among peer schools in the area.

Here's where P.S. 270 tells a surprising story: parent satisfaction is nearly universal at 98%, with 99% trust in both teachers and the principal. Families report strong relationships and feel genuinely connected to the school community. However, only 71% of teachers rate instruction quality as strong — notably below the district average of 88% — and teacher-principal trust sits at 77%, suggesting some tension behind the scenes. Attendance is a concern at 84.5% (district avg 89.2%), with chronic absenteeism at 34.9%, driven particularly by female students at nearly 48%. Discipline is minimal with just one suspension last year.

This is a small school with 103 students, serving a community that is 59% Black and 31% Hispanic with no white students enrolled. Nearly 87% of students qualify for economic need support, and 24% have IEPs. Despite these challenges, families are highly engaged — PTA fundraising reaches $1,155 per student, more than double the district average, indicating strong volunteer and donor investment.

Clinton Hill offers tree-lined blocks with brownstone architecture and strong transit access (88 on the transit score). The area has a family density score of 70 and an education orientation score of 83, reflecting a community that values schools. However, the safety score of 35 is notably low, and the poverty rate of 10.3% with median home values over $1.1 million paints a picture of economic divergence. Families should know that the neighborhood has both affluent professionals and significant economic need within the school population.

The school is situated in a walkable residential neighborhood where most zoned families arrive on foot. Clinton Hill's grid layout and good transit connections make car-free commutes feasible for most families.