Serving 178 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, P.s. 256 Benjamin Banneker ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 25-29% (which is lower than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the New York state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 6:1 is lower than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the New York state average of 61% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 178 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NY
- Math Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥80% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: PS 256 Benjamin Banneker serves a small attendance zone in Brooklyn, NY, covering approximately 0.1 square miles, with typical drive times to the school ranging from 5 to 10 minutes. The farthest edge of the zone is about 0.3 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
School Overview
P.s. 256 Benjamin Banneker's student population of 178 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 28 teachers has grown by 55% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
178 students
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Year Founded
1959
School Calendar
School Motto
Excellence is within my reach.
School Rankings
P.s. 256 Benjamin Banneker ranks within the bottom 50% of all 4,346 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of P.s. 256 Benjamin Banneker is 0.57, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.73. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3931 out of 4346 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥80%
78%
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
4%
10%
Hispanic
33%
31%
Black
57%
15%
White
3%
39%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)89.3%
34.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
93%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is P.s. 256 Benjamin Banneker's ranking?
P.s. 256 Benjamin Banneker is ranked #3931 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New York.
What schools are P.s. 256 Benjamin Banneker often compared to?
P.s. 256 Benjamin Bannekeris often viewed alongside schools like P.s. 3 Bedford Village by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
25-29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
How many students attend P.s. 256 Benjamin Banneker?
178 students attend P.s. 256 Benjamin Banneker.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
57% of P.s. 256 Benjamin Banneker students are Black, 33% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Asian, 3% of students are White, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of P.s. 256 Benjamin Banneker?
P.s. 256 Benjamin Banneker has a student ration of 6:1, which is lower than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does P.s. 256 Benjamin Banneker offer ?
P.s. 256 Benjamin Banneker offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is P.s. 256 Benjamin Banneker part of?
P.s. 256 Benjamin Banneker is part of New York City Geographic District #13.
In what neighborhood is P.s. 256 Benjamin Banneker located?
P.s. 256 Benjamin Banneker is located in the Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. There are 46 other public schools located in Bedford Stuyvesant.
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