P.S./I.S. 157 The Benjamin Franklin Health & Science Academy

Test scores here have more than doubled over nine years — ELA climbed from 15.7% in 2016 to 39% in 2025, and math improved from 13.6% to 23.2% — but the school still lags significantly behind District 14 averages (62% ELA, 59% math). Grade 8 shows strong ELA performance at 64%, but math drops to just 7.9%, suggesting uneven progression across grade levels. The 1.24 overall score places it well below the district average of 2.44, indicating parents should expect a school where students are catching up rather than leading.

This is where the school shines in the data. Parent satisfaction hits 97%, with nearly 100% trust in both teachers and the principal. Teachers report 96% instruction quality and 98% trust in leadership — exceptional numbers. However, attendance is a concern at 76% (vs. 89% district average), with 25.7% chronic absenteeism hitting Black students hardest at 35%. Teacher-reported safety (92%) runs below the district average (97%), which parents should note. Suspensions are low at 1%, consistent over three years.

The student body is 73% Hispanic and 21% Black, with 82.5% economic need — a very high-poverty population. Nearly one-third of students (29%) have IEPs. The diversity index sits at 43%, reflecting a relatively homogeneous community compared to the broader district. This composition mirrors the neighborhood's demographics, where Hispanic and Black families form the backbone of the local population.

Bedford-Stuyvesant is a transit-rich, family-dense neighborhood with an education orientation score of 71 — meaning families here prioritize schools. Median home values are over $1.2 million, though the poverty rate sits at 28%. The area scores very low on safety (21.84 percentile), which is a real factor for families evaluating the daily experience. Transit access is excellent at 86, making car-free commutes feasible. There's a strong sense of community stability despite some environmental health concerns.

The neighborhood is highly walkable with excellent transit options — many families can commute without a car, though safety concerns around walking alone may factor into decisions for younger children