P.S. 297 Abraham Stockton

This school has nearly tripled its ELA proficiency (from 21.7% in 2019 to 73.9% in 2025) and more than tripled its math proficiency (from 24.4% to 80.9%) over a decade — a dramatic upward trajectory that places it well above the district averages of 62.4% ELA and 59.5% math. The 3.1 overall score on the city's 4-point scale also exceeds the district average of 2.44. Performance is particularly strong in the upper grades: 5th graders achieved 90.3% ELA and 87.5% math proficiency, while 3rd graders showed 89.3% math proficiency. This suggests the school has built strong instructional practices, particularly in math, though parents of younger children may want to ask about support for early readers.

The survey data here is extraordinary: 99% of families report satisfaction, trust in teachers, and trust in the principal — all well above the district averages. Teachers give similarly high marks, with 92% trusting the principal and 87% reporting collegial trust. Teacher-reported safety sits at 93%, slightly below the district average of 97%, which is worth noting. The school has maintained zero suspensions for three consecutive years, indicating a restorative or supportive approach to discipline. However, chronic absenteeism is notably high at 59.3%, affecting both male (56%) and female (63%) students nearly equally, which may indicate challenges with consistent attendance rather than disciplinary issues. The 96% family survey response rate suggests strong community engagement.

With 208 students across pre-K through 5th grade, this is a small school that many families will find intimate and community-oriented. The student body is predominantly Black (40%) and Hispanic (54%), reflecting the neighborhood's demographics. The economic need index of 87.7% indicates most students come from high-need households, yet the school achieves strong academic outcomes — a testament to instructional quality. Nearly a quarter of students (23%) have IEPs, suggesting robust special education services. PTA fundraising is modest at $41 per student (below the district average of $123), which may reflect the community's economic realities rather than disengagement, given the exceptionally high survey response rates.

Bedford-Stuyvesant is a culturally rich Brooklyn neighborhood with strong family density (91st percentile) and excellent transit access (86th percentile). The area has seen significant development, with a median home value over $1.2 million, though the poverty rate remains at 27.9%. Education orientation scores high at 71, suggesting many families with school-age children. Families should be aware that safety indicators show some concerns — the safety score is low at 22 and crime density is elevated — so parents will want to visit the area and understand their specific route to school. There are parks and family resources in the neighborhood, and the walkable, transit-rich nature of the area makes car-free commuting feasible for most families.

The neighborhood is highly walkable with excellent transit options, making it practical for families who prefer not to drive. The school is accessible via multiple subway lines serving the Bedford-Stuyvesant area.