The Academy of Talented Scholars

Test scores here run notably above District 21 averages — math at 74.2% and ELA at 70.5% both exceed the district medians by roughly 10 percentage points. The school earned a 2.89 overall score compared to the district average of 2.46. However, the trend line shows real volatility: math peaked at 79.1% in 2023 before settling at 74.2% in 2025, while ELA has seesawed between 59.8% and 80.8% over the past decade. Grade-level breakdown shows 4th grade outperforming in ELA (71.7%) while 3rd grade leads in math (80.3%), suggesting strength in different pockets. Compared to nearby peer schools like Brooklyn School of Inquiry (94/100) or PS 101 The Verrazano (81/100), this school sits solidly in the middle tier — not a screened gifted program, but performing above average for an zoned elementary.

The survey data tells a remarkably positive story: 100% of teachers rate instruction quality as excellent, and 96% report feeling safe. Parents mirror that confidence — 93% are satisfied, and nearly all (98%) express trust in both teachers and the principal. There's been zero suspensions for three consecutive years, indicating either excellent behavior or very gentle discipline practices. The attendance rate of 93.2% sits above district average, but chronic absenteeism at 77.5% is extraordinarily high — nearly 8 in 10 students missed significant school time. This gap (high daily attendance but massive chronic absenteeism) suggests families may be pulling kids out for vacations, frequent illnesses, or other reasons that erode instructional continuity despite the school's strong relational climate.

This is a predominantly white and Asian student body (57% White, 32% Asian) set in a neighborhood with similar demographics and high homeownership (38%). At 342 students across pre-K through 5th grade, it's a mid-sized elementary school with class sizes matching the district average (24.6 students). Economic need index sits at 54.5%, indicating a moderate mix of income levels, though the neighborhood's median household income of $72K and high home values suggest a largely working-middle-class population. The diversity index of 58% is moderate for the area. IEP students make up 25% of enrollment, a notable proportion that suggests strong special education services. PTA fundraising of $101 per student exceeds the district average of $79, indicating active family involvement.

Gravesend is a densely family-oriented section of Brooklyn with an 85th percentile family density score — meaning it's packed with kids. The neighborhood offers solid transit access (70th percentile) but scores low on stability (20th percentile), suggesting some flux in the population. Safety scores are moderate (48th percentile), and the area has elevated asthma rates and some lead exposure concerns typical of older Brooklyn housing stock. The neighborhood's 30.6% BA+ education rate indicates a population that values academics, and the 37.9% homeownership rate suggests many families have put down roots. This is a practical, residential corner of Brooklyn where families stay for the long term.

Gravesend is highly walkable with good subway access via the F train and local bus routes. Many families walk or bike to school, taking advantage of the neighborhood's flat terrain and density. Street parking can be competitive during drop-off and pickup times.