At a Glance
A small, intimate high school where nearly half of students have IEPs and teachers report near-perfect trust in leadership
Families looking for a small, supportive high school environment where teachers report exceptionally high trust in leadership. This school appears well-suited for students with IEPs or those who haven't thrived in larger settings — nearly half the student body has special needs, and the zero-suspension environment suggests a restorative, student-centered approach. Families should be prepared to seek out academic details (test scores, graduation rates, college-going rates) that aren't in the available data, and should feel comfortable with a school where nearly all students face significant economic hardship.
- Zero suspensions reported — a remarkable discipline record, especially for a high-need high school
- 46% of students have IEPs — one of the highest special education percentages in the district
- Teachers report 100% instruction quality and 96% trust in leadership — both exceptional
- Very small enrollment (164 students) means a more intimate, personalized high school experience
- 92% parent satisfaction, matching the district average despite much higher economic need
- No academic proficiency data available — parents should ask directly for test scores and graduation rates
- Very small school may offer limited extracurriculars or course selection compared to larger high schools
- Only 14 teachers responded to the survey — the exceptional teacher ratings come from a small sample
- Nearly half of students have IEPs — this is a strength-oriented fact, but families should confirm appropriate supports exist
- High economic need (94%) suggests many families face significant life challenges that can affect school engagement
- The neighborhood's high-income demographics may create a contrast with the school's high-need population
Based on 2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 15
District 15 is home to some of Brooklyn's highest-performing elementary schools (including several that score 90+ on state metrics), but those are feeder schools. As a high school, South Brooklyn Community High School operates in a different context — serving off-track students, overage learners, and those with special needs who may not fit traditional high school pathways. The lack of test score data makes direct comparison difficult, but the school's demographic profile (94% economic need vs. district averages) suggests it serves a more challenging population while achieving comparable parent satisfaction.
Academic performance data is not available for this school, which makes a full academic assessment difficult. The school does not report ELA or math proficiency scores in the data provided, so parents should contact the school directly for recent test results and graduation outcomes.
The survey results paint an unusually positive picture. Teachers rate instruction quality at 100% and report 96% trust in the principal — numbers that are exceptional in any district. Parents similarly express strong confidence, with 94% trusting the principal and 92% satisfied overall. Perhaps most notably, there were zero suspensions last year, suggesting either very effective behavior management or a restorative approach to discipline. The family survey response rate of 38% is reasonable, though only 14 teachers completed surveys, so take the teacher numbers with some caution.
This is a predominantly Hispanic school (75% of students) in a neighborhood that's relatively affluent and highly educated. Nearly all students (93.7%) qualify for free or reduced lunch, and 46% have IEPs — meaning almost half the student body receives special education services. The diversity index of 47% reflects a school that's less diverse than the broader Brooklyn landscape but still includes meaningful representation of Black and White students. It's a community with significant needs, serving families who may be working multiple jobs or dealing with immigration challenges.
The Carroll Gardens-Cobble Hill-Gowanus-Red Hook area is one of Brooklyn's most desirable family neighborhoods, ranking in the 86th percentile for education orientation and 86th percentile for family density. Median household income approaches $140,000, and two-thirds of residents have college degrees. The neighborhood scores poorly on transit (42nd percentile), meaning many families will rely on cars or buses. Safety scores are middle-of-the-road, and the area has elevated rates of childhood asthma and lead exposure — common urban challenges. The neighborhood has strong community resources and a family-friendly feel, with brownstones, local parks, and relatively low crime.
Families typically walk or drive to this school, as the neighborhood scores poorly for transit access. Street parking can be challenging during school hours.
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 45 families responded (38% rate)
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Economic Need & Special Populations
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is South Brooklyn Community High School a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for South Brooklyn Community High School yet on Motley. It's a public school serving grades 9 to 12 in Carroll Gardens-Cobble Hill-Gowanus-Red Hook.
- What grades does South Brooklyn Community High School serve?
- South Brooklyn Community High School serves grades 9 to 12.
- Is South Brooklyn Community High School public, charter, or private?
- South Brooklyn Community High School is a public school in NYC Community School District 15.
- What neighborhood is South Brooklyn Community High School in?
- South Brooklyn Community High School is in Carroll Gardens-Cobble Hill-Gowanus-Red Hook, Brooklyn.
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