Whitelaw Reid Academy of Arts and Business

Test scores at Whitelaw Reid are substantially below the District 16 average — 23.2% in ELA versus 57.6% districtwide, and 29.9% in Math versus 57%. These numbers place the school among the lowest-performing in the area. However, there's a mixed trend: Math has climbed from a low of 10.3% in 2022 to 29.9% in 2025, while ELA peaked at 36.4% in 2022 and has since dropped to 23.2%. The school offers accelerated and honors coursework, but proficiency rates suggest most students are working to catch up rather than advance ahead.

The survey data tells a surprisingly positive story: 97% of parents report satisfaction with the school, and trust between families and teachers (98%) and between families and the principal (98%) is exceptional. Teachers also rate instruction quality highly (97%) and report strong trust in leadership (98%). However, this positive climate exists alongside concerning attendance patterns — nearly 60% of students are chronically absent, and the suspension rate (8%) is eight times the district average of 1%, having risen from zero in 2022-23 to seven suspensions in 2023-24. The day-to-day feel seems collaborative and trusting, but chronic absenteeism and rising disciplinary incidents are real challenges.

The student body is predominantly Black (58%) and Hispanic (30%), reflecting the surrounding Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. With an economic need index of 93.4% and 32% of students having IEPs, this is a high-need population. Despite the challenges, the community feels tight-knit — 90% of families responded to the survey, an unusually high rate that suggests strong family engagement. The diversity index of 59% indicates moderate demographic variety.

Bedford-Stuyvesant is a family-dense neighborhood in central Brooklyn with excellent transit options (94th percentile) and a strong sense of community. The area has seen significant gentrification, with median home values now over $1.1 million, though a 23% poverty rate indicates economic diversity. Safety scores are low (22.61), which is a reality for families to consider. The neighborhood offers numerous family resources and is known for its cultural vibrancy.

The area is generally walkable with good subway access, though families should consider the low safety score when planning commutes, particularly for younger students