P.S. 328 Phyllis Wheatley

P.S. 328 has undergone a remarkable academic transformation. In 2020, only 27% of students scored proficient in ELA and 23% in math — today those numbers are 65% and 73%, respectively, both substantially outpacing the district averages of 49% and 48%. The jump from 2024 to 2025 alone was dramatic (ELA jumped 24 points, math 23 points), suggesting intensive academic interventions are working. Third graders show particularly strong performance (67.6% ELA, 73.5% math), and fifth graders are leading the pack at 75% ELA and 81.5% math. The school's overall score of 2.75 outpaces the district average of 1.94.

The school culture is defined by extraordinary trust and relationship-building. Parents report 99% satisfaction, 99% trust in teachers, and 100% trust in the principal — with every single parent surveyed rating relationships as strong. Teachers rate instruction quality at 99%, reflecting confidence in their practice. However, teacher-reported safety (86%) runs slightly below the district average of 92%, and chronic absenteeism is a concern at 66.8% — meaning roughly two-thirds of students miss significant school time. The discipline record is spotless: zero suspensions for three consecutive years, indicating a restorative or supportive approach to behavior.

The school serves 272 students in a predominantly Black (51%) and Hispanic (42%) community. With an economic need index of 94 — one of the highest in the district — most families face significant financial challenges. Twenty-one percent of students have IEPs, reflecting typical special education rates. The diversity index of 54% indicates moderate demographic diversity within the student body, mirroring the neighborhood's composition.

East New York is a working-class Brooklyn neighborhood with significant family presence (family density score of 67.82) but lower incomes ($57,841 median household income) and elevated poverty (25.1%). The area scores low on safety (24.9) and education orientation (30.27), though it has strong transit access (70.88). Families will find nearby parks and community resources typical of residential Brooklyn, though the neighborhood has historically faced disinvestment. The median home value of $616,900 reflects recent real estate changes in the area.

The school is accessible by foot from surrounding blocks, and families in the zoned area typically walk or take short bus rides. The area has moderate transit access via bus routes connecting to subway lines.