At a Glance
A screened middle school in Dyker Heights delivering exceptional academic results with near-universal family trust and a dizzying array of programs
Families seeking a high-performing screened middle school with rigorous academics, families who value strong principal relationships and can navigate competitive admissions, and families who don't mind a commute and want their child surrounded by academically motivated peers. Students who thrive in diverse-but-predominantly-Asian environments and families who can support a child through a competitive application process will do well here.
- Screened admissions ensuring an academically motivated student body
- Test scores consistently 20+ percentage points above district average
- 99% family trust in principal — nearly unheard of in NYC schools
- 100/100 program richness score with 50+ extracurriculars including robotics, drama, and multiple STEM pathways
- 94% teacher instruction quality rating
- 94% economic need index despite high academic performance — serving higher-need students well
- Screened admissions mean not all families in the area can access this school — competition is real
- Grade 8 scores lag behind Grades 6-7, suggesting some academic slippage in the oldest students
- Suspension rate has increased from zero to 9 students over three years — worth monitoring but not alarming
- The 76% Asian student body may feel homogeneous to some families seeking more racial diversity
- Commute can be significant in this car-dependent neighborhood
- No gifted programs listed specifically — accelerated/honors pathways exist but may not match a dedicated gifted school
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 20
McAuliffe stands out dramatically in District 20, which has several strong schools but none matching its overall score of 3.74 versus the district average of 2.75. Its closest peers (Madeleine Brennan at 83, PS 127 at 82) are solid but trail McAuliffe's proficiency rates by 10+ points. This is the clear academic leader among District 20 middle schools.
Test scores at McAuliffe place it among the top performers in Brooklyn — 92.4% ELA and 94.6% math proficiency far exceed the District 20 averages of 66% and 71%. Grade-level data shows Grade 6 and 7 students performing strongest (93-97% proficiency), while Grade 8 dips slightly to 87-91%, a pattern typical of middle schools where older students face increased academic demands. The school's 3.74 overall score reflects consistent excellence across multiple measures.
Survey data reveals an exceptionally trusting community — 99% of families trust the principal, 97% trust teachers, and 94% report satisfaction with the school overall. Teachers report high confidence in leadership (94% teacher-principal trust) and strong collegial relationships (92%). Instruction quality scores 93%. The discipline picture is nuanced: the 1% suspension rate (9 students) is low overall but represents an upward trend from zero suspensions in 2021-22. This modest increase may reflect post-pandemic behavioral normalization rather than a culture problem.
The student body is 76% Asian, 12% White, 9% Hispanic, and 1% Black — a composition that reflects the broader Dyker Heights neighborhood, which has grown increasingly diverse while maintaining strong Asian and White populations. The diversity index of 45% is moderate. With 14% of students receiving special education services and a 64% economic need index, McAuliffe serves a mix of higher-need and more affluent families, though the screened admissions process means the school draws academically motivated students from across the economic spectrum.
Dyker Heights is a family-dense neighborhood in southwest Brooklyn with a strong education orientation score (65.52 percentile). Median home values top $1 million, and just over half of residents own their homes, suggesting a stable, established community. The neighborhood scores moderately on safety (55.94) and transit (64.37), meaning families should expect a suburban-style commute rather than walkable urban density. Family density is very high at 77 percentile, meaning lots of kids in the area.
Dyker Heights is more car-dependent than most of the city — families typically commute by car or bus rather than walking. If you're considering this school, plan for a commute that may involve significant travel time, especially if coming from outside the immediate area.
Academic Performance
ELA Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State ELA exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Math Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State Math exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 490 families responded (52% rate)
Programs & Activities
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
PTA Fundraising
Source: DOE Local Law 171 disclosure
Economic Need & Special Populations
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database (2023-24)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is The Christa McAuliffe School\I.S. 187 a good school?
- On Motley, The Christa McAuliffe School\I.S. 187 earns an overall quality score of 94/100 — a blend of New York State ELA and math results, attendance, and the school-climate survey. Its state test results run above the District 20 average.
- What grades does The Christa McAuliffe School\I.S. 187 serve?
- The Christa McAuliffe School\I.S. 187 serves grades 6 to 8.
- How do students get into The Christa McAuliffe School\I.S. 187?
- The Christa McAuliffe School\I.S. 187 is a screened school — it admits by application, weighing grades, attendance, and sometimes a test or interview.
- Is The Christa McAuliffe School\I.S. 187 public, charter, or private?
- The Christa McAuliffe School\I.S. 187 is a public school in NYC Community School District 20.
- What neighborhood is The Christa McAuliffe School\I.S. 187 in?
- The Christa McAuliffe School\I.S. 187 is in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.
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