Mark Twain I.S. 239 for the Gifted & Talented

Mark Twain I.S. 239 for the Gifted & Talented is a highly sought-after middle school in Brooklyn, renowned for its dual mission of academic rigor and a comprehensive visual and performing arts experience. The school consistently ranks among the top 5% in New York for overall test scores, with exceptional proficiency rates in both ELA (93%) and Math (92%), well above citywide averages. A significant 76% of students engage in accelerated coursework, reflecting a demanding academic environment. The school is organized into "clusters" or "mini-schools" to foster interdisciplinary learning and provide individualized student support. Facilities include modern labs, a black box theater, a mock courtroom, and coding labs. While parents generally praise the strong academics and diverse talent programs, some student feedback highlights concerns regarding bullying, harassment, and social stratification, with a notable percentage of students reporting such issues. The school maintains an excellent rating for instruction and performance, and relationships with families are rated as good, supported by overwhelmingly positive parent survey responses. Teachers are described as knowledgeable and supportive, with a high retention rate. Admissions are highly competitive, with students gaining entry through auditions or talent tests in various fields like art, dance, drama, computer/math, and science.