P.S. 270 Johann DeKalb
Grades PK-5 · 241 EMERSON PLACE · Brooklyn
Alyssa Roye, Principal · 718-623-5280
ps270.orgAbout
P.S. 270 Johann DeKalb is an elementary school in Brooklyn's Clinton Hill neighborhood, serving students from Pre-K through 5th grade. The school is known for its small, community-oriented environment and a strong commitment to arts and outdoor education, fostered through partnerships with institutions like Pratt Institute, NYC Outward Bound, and Edible Schoolyard. It implements a project-based curriculum and a play-based approach in its early childhood programs, emphasizing social-emotional learning through a "Crew" philosophy. Parent sentiment is largely positive, with many describing a nurturing and supportive environment with caring teachers and improving leadership. However, academic proficiency in both ELA (29%) and Math (22%) is a concern, falling well below the citywide 25th percentile. The school also shares its building with Community Partnership Charter Lower School.
Sources (21)
- P.S. 270 Johann DeKalb Official Data · 2023-2024
- Ps 270 Johann Dekalb in Brooklyn, NY | realtor.com® · 2024
- P.S. 270 Johann DeKalb | NYC School Ratings · 2024
- Ps 270 Johann Dekalb School in Brooklyn NY - SchoolDigger · 2024
- P.S. 270 - Johann DeKalb Reviews - Niche · 2024
- P.S. 270 Johann DeKalb (13K270) - NYC MySchools · 2024
- Ps 270 Johann Dekalb | Brooklyn, NY (For STEM) - Moonpreneur · 2026
- P.S. 270 - Johann DeKalb in Brooklyn, NY - Niche · 2026
- P.s. 270 Johann Dekalb vs. P.s. 20 Clinton Hill - Compare Rankings, Test Scores and Reviews - Public School Review · 2024
- P.S. 270 Johann Dekalb - District 13 - InsideSchools · 2024
- P.S. 270 Johann DeKalb - NYC Public Schools · 2024
- 13K270/EMS - 2023-24 School Quality Snapshot - New York City Public Schools · 2024
- myschools.nyc
- moonpreneur.com
- insideschools.org
- realtor.com
- nycschoolsratings.com
- schooldigger.com
- niche.com
- publicschoolreview.com
- niche.com
Academics
Coursework, class size, and academic context.
Attendance rate
98%
Avg class size (general ed)
12.4
Avg class size (ICT)
14
Average class size by classroom setting: general education vs. ICT (Integrated Co-Teaching, where general- and special-education students learn together with two teachers). NYC DOE Class Size Report, 2021–22.
Community & climate
Demographics, attendance, school survey results, and DOE quality ratings.
Quality signals
Parent survey · overall positive
92%73% response rate
Teacher survey · overall positive
77%92% response rate
Survey topics
Safety85%city 89%
- My students are safe…outside around this school.78%
- My students are safe…traveling between home and this school.89%
- My students are safe…in the hallways, bathrooms, locker rooms, and cafeteria of this school.100%
- My students are safe…in my class(es).100%
- Conflicts are resolved fairly in my school.57%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (85%) is their average, vs 89% citywide.
Bullying prevention58%city 42%
- At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate other students.58%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (58%) is their average, vs 42% citywide.
Emotional support83%city 84%
- How many adults at this school…help students develop the skills they need to complete challenging coursework despite obstacles?.80%
- How many adults at this school…tell their students they believe they can achieve high academic standards?.90%
- How many adults at this school…teach students how to advocate for themselves?.91%
- How many adults at this school…recognize disruptive behavior as social-emotional learning opportunities?.70%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (83%) is their average, vs 84% citywide.
Academic expectations100%city 87%
- In this school, the staff believes that all students can learn, including English language learners (ELLs), Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLLs), and students with disabilities.100%
- How many students in your classes…have to work hard to do well?.100%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (100%) is their average, vs 87% citywide.
Family outreach95%city 94%
- At this school…teachers understand families' challenges and concerns.92%
- At this school…teachers work closely with families to meet students' needs.92%
- At this school…staff regularly communicate with families about how they can help students learn.83%
- At this school…school staff value families' race, ethnicity, culture, family structure, and background.100%
- School staff regularly communicate with me about how I can help my child learn.96%
- Teachers work closely with me to meet my child's needs.96%
- My child's school communicates with me in a language that I can understand.99%
- I am greeted warmly when I contact or visit the school.96%
- My child's school will make me aware if there are any concerns about my child’s social or emotional well-being.99%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (95%) is their average, vs 94% citywide.
Parent–teacher trust99%city 95%
- I feel respected by my child's teachers.99%
- Staff at this school work hard to build trusting relationships with parents/guardians like me.99%
- My child's teachers treat me as a partner in educating my child.99%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (99%) is their average, vs 95% citywide.
Show all survey topicsShow fewer
Rigorous Instruction
Quality of Student Discussion35%city 67%
- How many students in your classes…build on each other’s ideas during class discussions?.42%
- How many students in your classes…use data or text references to support their ideas?.33%
- How many students in your classes…show that they respect each other’s ideas?.17%
- How many students in your classes…provide constructive feedback to their peers/teachers?.17%
- How many students in your classes…participate in class discussions at some point?.67%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (35%) is their average, vs 67% citywide.
Collaborative Teachers
Cultural Awareness and Inclusive Classroom Instruction88%city 92%
- I am able to...receive support around how to incorporate students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds in my practice.83%
- I am able to...modify instructional activities and materials to meet the developmental needs and learning interests of all my students.92%
- I am able to...ensure instruction represents multiple perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds.100%
- I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple genders, gender identities and expressions and sexual orientations.80%
- I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple races and ethnicities.100%
- I am able to...design appropriate instruction that is matched to students' need (e.g. English language learners (ELLs) or Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLLs) proficiency and students with disabilities).82%
- I am able to...apply my knowledge of parents' various cultural backgrounds when collaborating with them regarding their child's educational progress.82%
- I am able to...develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs for my students with disabilities.82%
- I am able to...monitor progress on Individualized Education Program goals for my students with disabilities.80%
- I am able to...distinguish linguistic/cultural differences from learning difficulties.100%
- I have conversations about race and racism at my school that help me examine my own beliefs around identity.91%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (88%) is their average, vs 92% citywide.
Innovation and Collective Responsibility83%city 79%
- How many teachers at this school…help build a welcoming school environment in the entire school, not just their classroom?.67%
- How many teachers at this school…are actively trying to improve their teaching?.91%
- How many teachers at this school…take responsibility for improving the school?.92%
- How many teachers at this school…are eager to try new ideas?.83%
- How many teachers at this school…feel responsible that all students learn?.83%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (83%) is their average, vs 79% citywide.
School Commitment78%city 83%
- I usually look forward to each working day at this school.92%
- I would recommend this school to parents/guardians seeking a place for their child.67%
- I would recommend this school to other teachers as a place to work.75%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (78%) is their average, vs 83% citywide.
Peer Collaboration76%city 87%
- At this school…the principal/school leader, teachers, and staff collaborate to make this school run effectively.83%
- At this school…teachers design instructional programs (e.g. lessons, units) together.83%
- At this school…teachers make a conscious effort to coordinate their teaching with instruction at other grade levels.62%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (76%) is their average, vs 87% citywide.
Quality of Professional Development75%city 82%
- Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...included enough time to think carefully about, try, and evaluate new ideas.67%
- Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...Included opportunities to engage in inquiry-based, professional collaboration with peers and/or mentors from other schools.75%
- Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...directly related to my students’ needs.83%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (75%) is their average, vs 82% citywide.
Supportive Environment
Classroom Behavior45%city 66%
- How many students in your classes…listen carefully when the teacher gives directions?.33%
- How many students in your classes…follow the rules in class?.67%
- How many students in your classes…respond to challenging questions in class?.17%
- How many students in your classes…do their work when they are supposed to?.62%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (45%) is their average, vs 66% citywide.
Effective School Leadership
Inclusive Leadership97%city 95%
- The principal/school leader at this school…puts decisions made with families into action.97%
- The principal/school leader at this school…works to create a sense of community in the school.97%
- The principal/school leader at this school…ensures families are comfortable communicating with the school.97%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (97%) is their average, vs 95% citywide.
Program Coherence82%city 83%
- At this school…once we start a new program, we follow up to make sure that it’s working.75%
- At this school…it is clear how all of the programs offered are connected to our school’s instructional vision.92%
- At this school…curriculum, instruction, and learning materials are well coordinated across the different grade levels at this school.80%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (82%) is their average, vs 83% citywide.
Teacher Influence72%city 66%
- At this school…the principal/school leader encourages feedback through regular meetings with families and teacher leaders.83%
- How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...hiring new professional personnel?.67%
- How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...planning how discretionary school funds should be used?.58%
- How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...selecting instructional materials and/or curriculum used in classrooms?.67%
- How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...setting standards for student behavior?.83%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (72%) is their average, vs 66% citywide.
Instructional Leadership67%city 86%
- The principal/school leader at this school...makes clear to the staff their expectations for meeting instructional goals.58%
- The principal/school leader at this school...understands how children learn.100%
- The principal/school leader at this school...sets high standards for student learning.100%
- The principal/school leader at this school...participates in instructional planning with teams of teachers.67%
- The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…supports teachers in implementing what they have learned in professional development.58%
- The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…carefully tracks student academic progress.83%
- The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…knows what’s going on in my classes.42%
- The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…provides teachers with formative feedback to improve practice.58%
- How many adults at this school…have access to school-based supports to assist in behavioral/emotional escalations?.36%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (67%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.
Strong Family-Community Ties
Strong Relationships100%city 90%
- At this school, my child receives what they need to achieve their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goal(s). [Families of students with IEPs].100%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (100%) is their average, vs 90% citywide.
Building Families' Capacity as their Child's Primary Teacher99%city 96%
- My child’s teachers give me helpful ideas about how I can support my child’s learning and development. [Birth-5].98%
- My child’s teachers let me know that I can make a difference in my child’s learning. [Birth-5].100%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (99%) is their average, vs 96% citywide.
Parent Involvement in School75%city 71%
- Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…communicated with your child's teachers about your child's performance?.97%
- Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…seen your child’s projects, artwork, homework, tests, or quizzes?.99%
- My child’s teachers let me know that I can make a difference in my child’s learning. [Birth-5].100%
- I know how to contact the Parent Coordinator at my child’s school.3%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (75%) is their average, vs 71% citywide.
Trust
Parent-Principal Trust98%city 94%
- I feel respected by my child's principal/school leader.99%
- I trust the principal/school leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).99%
- The principal/school leader is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.97%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (98%) is their average, vs 94% citywide.
Teacher-Teacher Trust89%city 86%
- Teachers in this school trust each other.83%
- It's OK in this school to discuss feelings, worries, and frustrations with other teachers.92%
- I feel respected by other teachers at this school.92%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (89%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.
Teacher-Principal Trust86%city 84%
- I feel respected by the principal/school leader at this school.92%
- The principal/school leader at this school is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.67%
- The principal/school leader has confidence in the expertise of the teachers at this school.100%
- I trust the principal/school leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).83%
- The principal/school leader looks out for the personal welfare of the staff members.92%
- The principal/school leader places the needs of children ahead of personal interests.75%
- The principal and assistant principals function as a cohesive unit.92%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (86%) is their average, vs 84% citywide.
Overall positive % is averaged across every Pos/Neg survey question per respondent group (school year 2023-2024). Survey topics are the DOE’s framework measures (each the average favorable response across its questions; expand a topic to see them and the citywide average); the dimension scores themselves are no longer in the public data file.[3]
Operational health
Attendance
98%
Chronic absenteeism
65%
Suspension rate
0%
Teachers[7]
Teachers with 4+ years' experience
62%
Students per teacher
6:1
Teaching out of certification
0%
Teacher experience and certification from the NYSED School Report Card (2024–25); students per teacher = enrollment ÷ reported teachers. Fewer than 4 years counts as inexperienced.
Student body
Race / ethnicity[4]
- Asian 8%
- Black 45%
- Hispanic 36%
- White 4%
School-level totals; may not sum to 100% due to rounding and small subgroup suppression.
Gender[4]
- Female 55%
- Male 45%
Female / male shares as published by the DOE; other gender identities aren’t reported in the source data.
Enrollment
73
Economic Need Index
92%
Free / reduced lunch
89%
English learners
23%
Students with IEPs
29%
Admissions
2 programs. Each has its own admissions method, and each track within a program has its own seats, demand, and priority order.
3-K - School Day
Program code 13K2703K · Cycle 2024-2025
141 applicants · 30 seats last year; offers ran out before reaching All other applicants..
| priority group | Seats | Applicants | Apps / seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| General education | 30 | 141 | — |
↳ Students who live in the zone and have a sibling at the school. | — | — | — |
↳ Other students who live in the zone. | 15 | 15 | 1.00 |
↳ Students who live in the district and have a sibling at the school. | — | — | — |
↳ Students who live outside the district and have a sibling at the school. | — | — | — |
↳ Other students who live in the district. | 10 | 100 | 10.00 |
↳ All other applicants. | 0 | 20 | — |
Last year’s published figures. Schools make more offers than seats because not everyone enrolls, so offers can exceed seats. Counts under 10 are suppressed (shown as “<10”).
Pre-K - School Day
Program code 13K270PK · Cycle 2024-2025
96 applicants · 36 seats last year; offers ran out before reaching Other students who live in the district..
| priority group | Seats | Applicants | Apps / seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| General education | 36 | 96 | — |
↳ Current students. | 25 | 25 | 1.00 |
↳ Students who live in the zone and have a sibling at the school. | — | — | — |
↳ Other students who live in the zone. | 10 | 10 | 1.00 |
↳ Students who live in the district and have a sibling at the school. | — | — | — |
↳ Students who live outside the district and have a sibling at the school. | — | — | — |
↳ Other students who live in the district. | 0 | 55 | — |
↳ All other applicants. | 0 | 10 | — |
Last year’s published figures. Schools make more offers than seats because not everyone enrolls, so offers can exceed seats. Counts under 10 are suppressed (shown as “<10”).
How to read Apps / seat and where the outlook buckets come from is explained in our methodology.
Location & commute
Where the school is and how to get there.