The Urban Assembly Unison School

Test scores at Unison have improved significantly since 2016 — ELA climbed from the low 20s to 40.1% in 2025, and math more than tripled from 7% to 19.7% over the same period. However, both subjects remain well below District 13 averages (ELA 40.1% vs. 53.1% district; Math 19.7% vs. 45.9% district). Grade 7 performs notably stronger than grades 6 and 8, with nearly half of students meeting ELA standards. The overall quality score of 1.2/4 reflects that this school is still in recovery mode academically — students are making real progress but starting from a significant gap.

Here's the paradox: despite below-average test scores and high chronic absenteeism (50%), parent satisfaction sits at 93% and trust in teachers and the principal exceeds 95%. Teachers report 89% instruction quality and 90% trust in leadership — numbers that actually match or slightly exceed district averages. The discipline record is modest (4% suspension rate, 7 total suspensions last year) and has remained relatively stable. The day-to-day feel seems to be one of strong relationships and decent school culture, even as attendance remains a struggle. The low family survey response rate (19%) is worth noting as a caveat to those satisfaction numbers.

With 199 students, Unison is a small school that reflects the neighborhood's Black community — 70% of students are Black, compared to Clinton Hill's demographics (which skews more mixed but has a significant Black middle-class population). The economic need index of 82% is high, and 35% of students have IEPs. The diversity index of 54% is moderate. This is a school serving a high-need population in a neighborhood that's experienced gentrification but still maintains strong Black roots — families here are clearly invested, as evidenced by the extraordinary trust scores, even if academic outcomes haven't caught up yet.

Clinton Hill is a leafy, transit-friendly Brooklyn neighborhood with a strong education orientation score (83/100) and excellent subway access (88/100). It has a high BA+ education rate (71.5%) and median household income over $118K, though the school serves a much higher-need population than the surrounding area might suggest. Safety scores are lower (35/100), which is a reality in this part of Brooklyn that parents should factor in. There are parks and family resources nearby, and the neighborhood is walkable.

Clinton Hill is highly walkable, and the school is accessible by multiple subway lines. Many families likely walk or take public transit — the area's transit score of 88 reflects excellent subway connectivity.