Serving 180 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, P.s. 397 Foster-laurie ranks in the top 50% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (which is higher than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is higher than the New York state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is equal to the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the New York state average of 61% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 180 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 94%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in NY
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥80% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
P.s. 397 Foster-laurie ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
P.s. 397 Foster-laurie's student population of 180 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 16 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
180 students
Total Classroom Teachers
16 teachers
Year Founded
2005
School Calendar
School Rankings
P.s. 397 Foster-laurie ranks within the top 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. 397 Foster-laurie is 0.49, 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
#1313 out of 4346 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥80%
78%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
5%
10%
Hispanic
18%
31%
Black
69%
15%
White
6%
39%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)44.4%
34.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
83%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Falcon
Frequently Asked Questions
What is P.s. 397 Foster-laurie's ranking?
P.s. 397 Foster-laurie is ranked #1313 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in New York.
What schools are P.s. 397 Foster-laurie often compared to?
P.s. 397 Foster-laurieis often viewed alongside schools like P.s. 92 Adrian Hegeman, P.s. 235 Janice Marie Knight School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
How many students attend P.s. 397 Foster-laurie?
180 students attend P.s. 397 Foster-laurie.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of P.s. 397 Foster-laurie students are Black, 18% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are White, 5% of students are Asian, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of P.s. 397 Foster-laurie?
P.s. 397 Foster-laurie has a student ration of 11:1, which is equal to the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does P.s. 397 Foster-laurie offer ?
P.s. 397 Foster-laurie offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is P.s. 397 Foster-laurie part of?
P.s. 397 Foster-laurie is part of New York City Geographic District #17.
In what neighborhood is P.s. 397 Foster-laurie located?
P.s. 397 Foster-laurie is located in the Little Caribbean neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. There are 11 other public schools located in Little Caribbean.
School Reviews
Review P.s. 397 Foster-laurie. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
