Restoration Academy

Test scores at Restoration Academy are well below the District 13 average — ELA proficiency of 25.8% sits roughly half of the district's 53%, and math at 21% is less than half of the 46% district average. However, the school has clawed its way up from much lower points: ELA has increased from 14% in 2016 to 26% today, and math, which dipped to just 4% in 2022, has rebounded to 21%. Grade 6 shows the lowest performance (19% in both subjects), while grades 7 and 8 perform slightly better at around 27% ELA. Science at 29% is the strongest subject. This is a school where students are catching up, not racing ahead.

The survey data tells a nuanced story. Families absolutely love this school — parent satisfaction at 93% exceeds the district average, with 96% trust in teachers and 94% trust in the principal. Teachers report 100% instruction quality, suggesting strong classroom practice. However, the internal picture is more complicated: teacher-principal trust sits at 79% and teacher collegial trust at only 67%, with just 11 teacher responses (caution on interpretation). Attendance is a concern — the 88% rate is slightly below district average, and a shocking 51% of students are chronically absent, with boys at 53%. Discipline is minimal (2% suspension rate) and relatively stable. The day-to-day feel seems warm for families, though the chronic absenteeism rate suggests underlying challenges with getting students to show up consistently.

This is a predominantly Black school (76%) in a neighborhood that is also majority Black with significant economic need. The enrollment of just 75 students across three grades means tiny class sizes, and 28% of students have IEPs — above average for the district. The diversity index of 49% reflects a relatively homogeneous student body. Families here are clearly engaged — the 79% family survey response rate is strong, and 93% satisfaction suggests parents feel heard and valued. The per-student PTA fundraising of just $26 is extremely low compared to the district average of $438, reflecting the economic realities of this community.

Bedford-Stuyvesant is a transit-rich, family-dense neighborhood in central Brooklyn with strong educational orientation (71st percentile) but significant safety concerns (21st percentile). The median home value of $1.27 million reflects ongoing gentrification, while the 28% poverty rate and 20% homeownership rate indicate economic diversity. Families benefit from excellent subway access (86th percentile) but face higher crime density and environmental health challenges. The area has seen significant investment in recent years, with new restaurants and shops alongside historic brownstones.

Highly walkable neighborhood with good subway access — families from across central Brooklyn can reach the school via the A/C or G trains, and the area is known for its tree-lined blocks and relatively flat terrain