The Academy for Collaborative Exploration

The school's 52.8% ELA proficiency sits below the district average of 60.5%, and math at 26.4% is well under the district's 57.3%. However, the trend line tells a recovery story — ELA jumped from 15% in 2016 to over 50% by 2025, and math more than doubled from 13% to 26%. Grade 8 stands out with 60.5% ELA proficiency, suggesting the upper grades are getting something right. The overall score of 1.58 out of 4 reflects that the school is still building toward district benchmarks.

This is where the school shines in the data. Parent satisfaction hits 94%, trust in teachers sits at 97%, and trust in the principal reaches 98% — all above district averages. Teachers rate instruction quality at 95%, far exceeding the 89% district average, indicating strong buy-in from staff. Attendance is the weak spot at 86.6% versus 91% district-wide, with nearly half of students chronically absent. Discipline has improved dramatically — suspensions dropped from 6 in 2022-23 to zero in 2023-24. The family survey response rate of 90% suggests real engagement from parents.

The student body is 67% Black and 23% Hispanic, with 82.9% economic need — higher than typical for the district. About 28% of students have IEPs. The school reflects the neighborhood's demographics, which skews working-class with moderate poverty rates and high family density. At 132 students, this is a small school where most families know each other.

Crown Heights (North) is a densely populated, family-heavy neighborhood with excellent subway access (87th percentile for transit). Median home values exceed $1 million, though homeownership is low at 16%. Safety scores are low (14th percentile), which is a reality for families to consider. The area has strong education orientation (77th percentile), suggesting many families with school-age children. Parks and community resources are accessible.

Well-served by transit — multiple subway lines run through Crown Heights, making it accessible without a car. The neighborhood is walkable but families should factor in the area's safety profile when planning commutes.