P.S. 279 Herman Schreiber

Test scores at P.S. 279 show a clear upward math trajectory — math proficiency has more than doubled from 32.5% in 2016 to 65.5% in 2025, now exceeding the district average of 61.4%. ELA proficiency at 55.2% sits just below the district average of 58.4%, though the school has shown resilience after a dip to 38.7% in 2024. Grade-level data reveals strong older student performance, with 5th graders hitting 69.4% ELA and 72.2% math — significantly outpacing 3rd graders at 38.7% and 58.1%. This suggests the school's upper elementary grades are performing well, while earlier grades may need additional support.

The school's climate data tells a complex story. Families report exceptionally high trust — 96% parent-teacher trust, 95% parent-principal trust, and 100% report strong relationships. Teacher-reported safety is strong at 95%. However, there are red flags: chronic absenteeism sits at a concerning 62.3%, and teacher trust in leadership is low at 49%, with only 53% rating instruction quality positively. The school has maintained zero suspensions for three consecutive years, which is a positive discipline trend. The disconnect between high parent trust and lower teacher satisfaction with leadership is notable — parents feel heard, but staff may feel less supported. Family survey response rate is low at 24%, so take parent satisfaction with some caution.

P.S. 279 serves a heavily Black student population — 84% of students are Black, with 11% Hispanic, 4% white, and 1% Asian. The diversity index of 33% reflects this relatively homogeneous makeup, though District 18 overall is diverse. Economic need is significant at 62.7% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. At 280 students across all grades, the school is smaller than many district schools, which may contribute to the strong relationship scores families report. The PTA fundraising of just $5 per student is notably low compared to the district average of $22.67, suggesting fewer discretionary resources for enrichment programs.

Canarsie is a family-oriented Brooklyn neighborhood known for its relatively affordable (by NYC standards) housing, high homeownership rate of 50.5%, and lower poverty at 12.8% compared to many surrounding areas. The median home value of $688,449 reflects a stable, middle-class community. Families with children comprise 14.6% of households, and while education orientation scores 62.07, stability is notably low at 24.9%, suggesting many families are newer to the area. Transit access is decent at 65.9, though safety scores of 57.09 are moderate. The neighborhood has a more residential, suburban feel compared to denser parts of Brooklyn, with single-family homes common.

Canarsie has a more car-dependent layout than many Brooklyn neighborhoods. Many families likely drive or use bus routes to get to school, though some walking is possible depending on exact residence within the zone.