P.S. 398 Walter Weaver

Test scores at P.S. 398 Walter Weaver sit well below the District 17 average — 31.5% ELA versus 60.5% districtwide, and 41.8% Math versus 57.3% districtwide. However, the data tells a more nuanced story: math proficiency has actually improved meaningfully from the pandemic low of 11.7% in 2022 to 41.8% in 2025, showing strong recovery. Grade-level breakdown reveals interesting patterns: third graders show strong math (69.4%) but only 33% ELA, fourth grade is balanced (38.5% ELA, 36% Math), and fifth grade struggles significantly in both subjects (23.3% ELA, 13.3% Math). The overall 1.47/4 score reflects that students are catching up rather than leading, and the school has ground to make up compared to district peers.

The culture data reveals a genuine disconnect between academic outcomes and relational climate. Teachers report 99% instruction quality — remarkably high and well above the 89% district average — suggesting classroom instruction is strong even when test scores don't reflect it. Families are clearly happy: 93% parent satisfaction, 98% trust in teachers and principal, and 100% report strong relationships. However, there are cracks in the adult culture: teacher-principal trust sits at 75% and teacher collegial trust at 74%, lower than the family metrics. The attendance picture is concerning — 90.1% attendance is slightly below district average, and a striking 56.9% chronic absenteeism rate (65% for male students, 65% for Black students) signals that getting kids to school consistently is a real challenge. On the positive side, discipline is minimal with a 0% suspension rate.

This is a high-need community school with 241 students in a neighborhood where 91.3% of students qualify for economic need support. The student body is predominantly Black (78%) with significant Hispanic representation (16%), reflecting the demographics of East Flatbush-Remsen Village. At 25% IEP students, the school has a higher-than-average special education population. The diversity index of 40% is moderate, though the school is far less demographically diverse than some nearby charter schools that pull from broader geographic areas. Class sizes average 22 students, essentially matching the district average.

East Flatbush-Remsen Village is a family-dense Brooklyn neighborhood with strong transit access (80th percentile) but significant challenges. The median home value of $691,851 reflects Brooklyn's broader real estate pressures, though median household income is modest at $57,611 with an 18.9% poverty rate. Safety scores are concerning (14th percentile), and the neighborhood has elevated environmental health concerns including asthma rates (104 per 1,000) and 22% elevated lead exposure rates. However, it's a working-class community with deep roots — only 23.5% homeownership suggests many families rent, and the 9% households with children indicates a stable family population. Families should know the neighborhood has limited green space and parks based on the low family density and stability scores.

The neighborhood has strong transit access, making it manageable for families who rely on public transportation. Walking conditions are adequate but families should be aware of the area's safety scores when considering commutes.