P.S. 66

Test scores at P.S. 66 have followed a dramatic arc over the past decade. The school started 2016 with just 30.8% ELA and 26.6% math proficiency, climbed steadily to 2018, dipped sharply during the pandemic (34.4% ELA, 24.1% math in 2022), then surged to 54.2% ELA and 60.6% math in 2025. That 2025 math score actually exceeds the District 18 average of 61.4%, though ELA sits a few points below the district's 58.4%. The overall quality score of 2.3/4 is just under the district average of 2.39. Grade-level data shows strength in upper grades — 8th graders hit 68.2% ELA — but 6th grade lags at 39.2% ELA, suggesting some inconsistency across the middle school years.

The climate data tells a nuanced story. Parents absolutely love this school: 94% satisfied, 97% trust teachers, 98% trust the principal, and every single respondent reported strong relationships. Teachers rate instruction quality high at 92%, above the district average. But there's a split in how staff view leadership — teacher-principal trust sits at 76% and collegial trust at 72%, both notably lower than parent trust. Teacher-reported safety at 84% also falls below the district average of 96%, which is worth noting. Attendance is stable at 90.6%, but chronic absenteeism is a serious issue at 66.8% — meaning roughly two-thirds of students are missing significant school time. On the positive side, discipline has improved dramatically: from 11 suspensions in 2021-22 to zero in 2023-24, a full year with no suspensions.

P.S. 66 is a predominantly Black school — 81% of students identify as Black, with 11% Hispanic, 4% white, and small numbers of Asian, Multi-Racial, and Native American students. The diversity index of 39% reflects this relatively homogeneous student body. Economic need is high at 65.3%, and 16% of students have IEPs. The school offers ELL support for English language learners. PTA fundraising is minimal at just $650 total ($1 per student), far below the district average of $22.67 per student — indicating limited discretionary resources for enrichment programs.

Canarsie is a neighborhood in eastern Brooklyn with a strong residential character — half of residents own their homes, and the median household income of $82,184 is above the city average. The poverty rate is relatively low at 12.8%, though 14.6% of households have children, suggesting a quieter family demographic compared to more child-dense parts of Brooklyn. Safety scores are moderate at 57, transit access is decent at 66, and the education orientation score of 62 reflects a community that values schools without being hyper-competitive. The neighborhood has access to parks and is relatively stable, though the stability score of 25 indicates some turnover.

Canarsie is a car-friendly neighborhood, and many families likely drive. The moderate transit score means bus options exist but aren't as robust as in denser parts of Brooklyn.