Young Women's Leadership School of Brooklyn

Test scores at this school sit well below the District 14 average — ELA proficiency of 41.2% and math at 26.5% compared to district averages of 62% and 59% respectively. The school's overall score of 1.35/4 reflects this gap. However, looking at the historical trend reveals an inconsistent but gradually upward trajectory: math has more than doubled from 14.3% in 2016 to 26.5% in 2025, though the path has been volatile with dips in 2019 and 2024. The 2025 scores represent a recovery from a significant 2024 dip (ELA dropped to 25.8%). Grade 8 students are performing notably better in ELA (56.5%) than younger grades, suggesting some cohorts are receiving stronger instruction. The school offers AP courses and accelerated/honors pathways, though proficiency rates suggest students are working to catch up rather than accelerate ahead.

The climate data tells a complicated story. On the positive side, trust metrics are exceptional — 96% of parents report satisfaction and trust in teachers and principal, and teachers rate instruction quality at 98% with 98% trust in leadership. These are standout numbers that suggest a cohesive, supportive environment. Family survey response rate is extraordinarily high at 92%, indicating strong parent engagement. However, chronic absenteeism is a serious concern at 43.2% — nearly half of students are missing significant school time, with Hispanic students missing the most at 51.2%. This helps explain the attendance rate of 84.3%, well below the district average of 89%. The school reports zero suspensions, which could indicate either strong restorative practices or under-reporting. The gap between sky-high survey scores and concerning attendance patterns suggests the school may be serving its engaged families very well while struggling to reach students who are chronically absent.

This is a predominantly Black and Hispanic student body: 45% Black, 44% Hispanic, with small Asian (5%) and white (3%) populations. The diversity index of 57% reflects this composition. With 86% economic need index and 24% IEP students, the school serves a high-need population. The neighborhood itself is family-dense (66.67 percentile) but with relatively few households with children (9.2%), suggesting many families are young professionals without kids yet. The school's small size (345 students) creates a tight-knit feel, and the single-gender environment may contribute to the strong community bonds reflected in survey data.

East Williamsburg has transformed dramatically in recent decades — what was a working-class neighborhood with manufacturing roots is now known for its artistic community and rising real estate. Median home values exceed $1 million, yet the poverty rate remains high at 24.3%. The neighborhood scores poorly on safety (43.3 percentile) and health environment (16.09 percentile), with elevated lead rates and asthma concerns. Transit access is moderate (61.3 percentile), and family density is high. Families should note the area has seen significant gentrification, creating a complex socioeconomic landscape.

The school is accessible by foot from surrounding blocks and well-served by multiple bus lines; families from further afield typically rely on the subway plus bus connections