P.S. 506: The School of Journalism & Technology

Test scores at this school are below district averages — 40.8% ELA and 42.6% math proficiency compared to district averages of 66% and 71%. The school has hovered in the 30-40% range for ELA since 2016 with modest gains through 2019, a pandemic dip, and recovery to current levels. Math followed a similar pattern. Grade-level breakdown shows Grade 5 slightly outperforming in ELA (42.5%) but slightly lagging in math (41.6%), while Grade 3 leads in math (44.4%). The overall score of 1.67 out of 4 places this school significantly below the district average of 2.75.

The school climate data tells a mixed story. Parents report high trust in teachers (98%) and the principal (96%), and 92% say they're satisfied overall. Teachers themselves rate instruction quality at 95% — above the district average. However, teacher-principal trust is notably lower at 78%, and teacher-reported safety (89%) falls below both the district average (96.5%) and what parents likely perceive. Chronic absenteeism is a significant concern at 80.8%, though daily attendance holds at 93.7%. Discipline is minimal with just one suspension last year and a zero rate overall.

The student body is predominantly Hispanic (63%) with significant Asian enrollment (29%), reflecting the neighborhood's demographics. Nearly a quarter of students (23%) have IEPs, and the economic need index of 89.5% indicates most families face financial challenges. Only 6% of students are White. The diversity index of 50% is moderate. PTA fundraising is low at $33 per student (district average is $61), suggesting fewer resources for enrichment beyond what the school provides.

Sunset Park is a densely family-oriented neighborhood in southwest Brooklyn with high family density (74 percentile) but moderate safety scores (42.5). The area is predominantly renter-occupied (75% homeownership) with a median home value over $1 million. Transit access is moderate (53), and education orientation is relatively low (42). The neighborhood has higher environmental health concerns including asthma rates and some lead exposure risk. Families with children make up nearly 20% of households.

The neighborhood is walkable with good access to the subway and bus routes along 59th Street. Many families in this zoned school walk or take short bus rides. The area has moderate traffic concerns.