Motley
District 1919
PublicDistrict 19Ed. Opt.

Performing Arts and Technology High School

400 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE

At a Glance

A niche-performing arts and technology school where Black and Hispanic students from a high-need neighborhood report exceptional trust in teachers and zero suspensions

Best suited for

Families in East New York or nearby who value their child's artistic interests in dance, music, or technology and prioritize a school where teachers and families trust each other deeply. Best for students who thrive in small schools with strong relational support over those seeking competitive academic rigor or a traditional college-prep track. Parents comfortable with the neighborhood's tradeoffs (affordable but lower safety scores, limited educational orientation) and willing to supplement academic expectations at home will find a strong community fit here.

What stands out
  • 99% teacher instruction quality and 99% teacher-principal trust — exceptional trust metrics rarely seen in public high schools
  • Zero suspensions recorded — a discipline approach that avoids removing students from class
  • Highly selective arts programs with 7-10% acceptance rates for dance, music, and technology
  • 100/100 program richness score — the school offers an unusually deep menu of arts, sports, STEM, languages, and extracurriculars
  • 94% parent-teacher trust and 96% parent-principal trust indicate strong family-school partnerships
  • One of the few unscreened arts-focused high schools in District 19, giving all students a chance to audition
Things to consider
  • No state test scores provided — parents cannot compare academic performance to district or city averages during the application process
  • Small enrollment (322 students) means limited course variety and fewer peer options within the grade
  • 25% of students have IEPs, but specialized support details are limited in this data
  • Attendance data not included — cannot assess whether strong culture translates to showing up consistently
  • Neighborhood safety scores rank in the 25th percentile — a real consideration for families
  • Teacher survey had only 29 responses, which is a small sample for the 99% trust numbers
  • East New York's education orientation scores just 30 out of 100 — this is not a neighborhood with a strong academic culture baked in

Based on 2024-2025 data

School SummaryDistrict 19

In District 19, which includes some of Brooklyn's lowest-performing schools, this school stands out on culture and trust metrics but cannot be ranked against peers because academic data is missing. The peer schools listed (P.S. 190 Sheffield at 85/100, P.S. 149 Danny Kaye at 81/100) are elementary schools, making high school comparisons difficult. What is clear: among District 19's high schools, this one differentiates through its arts focus and exceptional survey results.

AcademicsSteady

Academic performance data was not available in this dataset for direct comparison to the district averages of 49% in ELA and 48% in math. Parents considering this school should request recent state exam results during the admissions process to assess academic standing relative to district peers.

Culturestrong

The survey results paint an unusually positive picture of school culture. Parents report 93% satisfaction, and both parent-teacher trust (94%) and parent-principal trust (96%) exceed district averages. Teachers are particularly bullish: 99% rate instruction quality as good or very good, and 99% trust the principal — numbers you rarely see in any school. With zero suspensions recorded, the discipline approach appears restorative or prevention-focused rather than punitive. The day-to-day feel seems to center on mutual respect between staff and families.

Community

The student body is predominantly Black (69%) and Hispanic (28%), reflecting the neighborhood's demographics. With 83% economic need index and 25% IEP students, this is a high-need population. The diversity index sits at 41%, which is lower than many city schools but typical for this Brooklyn neighborhood. At 322 students across four grades, the school is intentionally small — class sizes average 21.8 students, matching the district average exactly.

NeighborhoodEast New York (North)

East New York (North) is a working-class Brooklyn neighborhood with real challenges and genuine community roots. Median household income is $57,841 with a 25% poverty rate, and only 16% of residents have bachelor's degrees. The neighborhood scores poorly on safety (25th percentile) with elevated crime density and environmental health concerns like asthma rates. However, it scores well on transit access (71st percentile) and family density (68th percentile), meaning families without cars can manage logistics. Homeownership is 30%, and median home value is $617K — more affordable than many Brooklyn neighborhoods.

The neighborhood is accessible by public transit, with strong transit scores. Families walking or taking buses will find the area navigable, though safety concerns after dark merit consideration. The school serves a population where many families rely on public transportation.

Survey Results

Family Feedback
Satisfaction
93%
Teacher Trust
94%
Principal Trust
96%
Teacher Perspective
Instruction
99%
Principal Trust
99%
Collegial Trust
91%

NYC School Survey (2025) · 219 families responded (57% rate)

Programs & Activities

Academic(1)
AP Courses
Arts(10)
ArtsBandChorusDance And Music ProductionsDance TeamDramaFilm/Video ProductionMarching BandPhotographyTheater Company
Sports(10)
BaseballBasketballCross CountryFlag FootballFootballIndoor TrackOutdoor TrackSoccerStuntVolleyball
STEM(1)
Robotics
Language(2)
ELL SupportSpanish
Clubs & Activities(9)
Book ClubCommunity ServiceCulture ClubJournalismPeer Mediation TeamStep TeamStudent CouncilStudent Executive Leadership TeamYearbook

Admissions Demand

DanceHighly Competitive

Four years of technique classes in ballet, modern, jazz, and tap. Two years of advanced studio classes in choreography and composition.

Seats21
Applicants276
Apps/Seat13.1
Offer Rate7.7%
MusicHighly Competitive

A four-year intensive program which will develop students' technique, creativity, and expression while learning music theory, notation, and performance. Students will select a major in either vocal or instrumental music. Students can participate in chorus.

Seats21
Applicants208
Apps/Seat9.9
Offer Rate10%
TechnologyHighly Competitive

A two-year intensive program that includes graphic design, web design, and CISCO Certification Training.

Seats21
Applicants291
Apps/Seat13.9
Offer Rate7.1%
Drama / Theater ArtsHighly Competitive

A four-year intensive program that includes a combination of acting, voice, diction, and script analysis.

Seats41
Applicants238
Apps/Seat5.8
Offer Rate16.7%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Moderate
28%Hispanic/Latino
69%Black
1%Native American

NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23

Economic Need & Special Populations

Economic Need Index
83%
IEP Students
24.8%

Discipline

0suspensions

NYSED Student & Educator Database

Frequently Asked Questions
Is Performing Arts and Technology High School a good school?
Published quality ratings aren't available for Performing Arts and Technology High School yet on Motley. It's a public school serving grades 9 to 12 in East New York (North).
What grades does Performing Arts and Technology High School serve?
Performing Arts and Technology High School serves grades 9 to 12.
How do students get into Performing Arts and Technology High School?
Performing Arts and Technology High School uses the Educational Option (Ed-Opt) method, ranking applicants across performance levels so seats go to a mix of abilities.
Is Performing Arts and Technology High School public, charter, or private?
Performing Arts and Technology High School is a public school in NYC Community School District 19.
What neighborhood is Performing Arts and Technology High School in?
Performing Arts and Technology High School is in East New York (North), Brooklyn.
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