P.S. 221 Toussaint L'Ouverture

P.S. 221 Toussaint L'Ouverture is a small Brooklyn elementary school serving students from Pre-K through 5th grade, known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong community focus. The school maintains exceptionally high parent satisfaction, with survey results indicating overwhelmingly positive experiences regarding staff communication, support for learning, and overall welcoming environment. Academically, the school demonstrates a notable strength in English Language Arts proficiency, which is well above the citywide median. While math proficiency is below the citywide median, it remains above the 25th percentile. The school boasts an excellent attendance rate and a zero suspension rate, reflecting a positive and safe school climate. P.S. 221 is recognized as the first "Hip2B Healthy School" in New York City, integrating healthy choices, environmental education, cooking, and arts into its curriculum through a partnership with Seeds in the Middle. The school serves a student body with a high proportion of economically disadvantaged students and those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Class sizes are notably small, contributing to individualized attention. While parent sentiment is largely positive, some older feedback has mentioned concerns about school organization. The school faces a challenge with a higher chronic absenteeism rate compared to many other city schools.