P.S. 282 Park Slope

P.S. 282 delivers academics well above the District 13 average — 62.5% ELA proficiency versus 53.1% district-wide, and 64.4% math versus 45.9%. The school has climbed substantially from 2016 baselines (ELA was 40.7%, math 34.1%), showing a steady upward trajectory through 2025. Grade-level breakdown shows consistent performance across grades 3-5, with math slightly outpacing ELA at the upper grades. The overall quality score of 2.54/4 sits notably above the district average of 1.98, placing this school in the upper tier of District 13.

The school's discipline record is exemplary — zero suspensions in the most recent year — creating a fundamentally safe environment. Parent satisfaction runs high at 92%, and 95% of families report strong relationships with teachers. However, the internal survey reveals significant tension: teacher-principal trust sits at just 33% and teacher collegial trust at 28%, both concerning red flags. With only 7 teacher survey responses, these numbers carry a margin-of-error caveat, but the pattern suggests leadership challenges. The chronic absenteeism rate of 75.6% is dramatically high and cuts across demographic groups, suggesting underlying issues with daily engagement or family-school connection.

The student body reflects Park Slope's shifting demographics — 36% White, 33% Black, 21% Hispanic, and 7% Asian, with a diversity index of 77%. Nearly a quarter of students (23%) have IEPs, and the economic need index sits at 38.9%, lower than many Brooklyn schools but not insignificant. The PTA raised over $218,000 in 2024-25 ($453 per student), well above the district average, indicating active family involvement. The school draws from a neighborhood where 82.4% of adults hold bachelor's degrees and median household income exceeds $191,000 — resources that likely support the academic performance despite the internal trust challenges.

Park Slope is a quintessential Brooklyn family neighborhood — walkable tree-lined blocks, proximity to Prospect Park, and strong educational orientation (93.87% score). Transit access is excellent at 79.31%, making commutes manageable. Safety scores rank lower (37.16%), reflecting urban density concerns, but the area is widely regarded as family-friendly with abundant restaurants, cafes, and neighborhood schools. The neighborhood's stability score (22.61%) suggests some flux, but its family density and education focus make it a natural fit for school-aged children.

Park Slope is highly walkable, and most zoned families arrive on foot. The neighborhood's grid layout and proximity to Prospect Park make strollers and walking common. For those coming from outside the zone, excellent subway access (multiple lines nearby) serves commuters well.