P.S. 308 Clara Cardwell is a small PK-8 school in Brooklyn, serving approximately 170 students. The school aims to provide a nurturing and safe environment with passionate educators committed to a rigorous and quality education, emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving through respect, responsibility, resilience, and readiness. While the school's official rating for instruction and performance is "Needs Improvement," and state test scores for ELA (32%) and Math (18%) are well below citywide medians, parent feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Parents describe the school as a "safe and calm space" with a family-like atmosphere and caring, engaged teachers. Many families appreciate the community of care fostered under the current principal, noting improvements in school culture and student academic performance. The school serves a high-need population, with 95% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch and a higher-than-average percentage of students with IEPs. Its programs incorporate a focus on athletics, instrumental music, and visual arts.
What this school has to spend, and what it spends it on. Spending is not a measure of quality. Schools serving more students with higher needs receive more money.
High schools this school’s graduates most commonly attend.
Balanced
high confidence
Attendance rate
96%
Avg class size (general ed)
21
Avg class size (ICT)
19.38
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.
My students are safe…outside around this school.83%
My students are safe…traveling between home and this school.83%
My students are safe…in the hallways, bathrooms, locker rooms, and cafeteria of this school.83%
My students are safe…in my class(es).83%
Conflicts are resolved fairly in my school.82%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (83%) is their average, vs 89% citywide.
Bullying prevention40%city 42%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate other students.40%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (40%) is their average, vs 42% citywide.
Emotional support74%city 84%
How many adults at this school…help students develop the skills they need to complete challenging coursework despite obstacles?.73%
How many adults at this school…tell their students they believe they can achieve high academic standards?.79%
How many adults at this school…teach students how to advocate for themselves?.71%
How many adults at this school…recognize disruptive behavior as social-emotional learning opportunities?.71%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (74%) is their average, vs 84% citywide.
Academic expectations80%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.87%
How many students in your classes…have to work hard to do well?.73%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (80%) is their average, vs 87% citywide.
College & career guidance89%city 90%
It’s a priority at this school that adults…provide students with guidance on the high school application process.89%
It’s a priority at this school that adults…provide families with guidance on the high school application process.89%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (89%) is their average, vs 90% citywide.
Family outreach92%city 94%
At this school…teachers understand families' challenges and concerns.93%
At this school…teachers work closely with families to meet students' needs.93%
At this school…staff regularly communicate with families about how they can help students learn.87%
At this school…school staff value families' race, ethnicity, culture, family structure, and background.87%
School staff regularly communicate with me about how I can help my child learn.94%
Teachers work closely with me to meet my child's needs.91%
My child's school communicates with me in a language that I can understand.97%
I am greeted warmly when I contact or visit the school.93%
My child's school will make me aware if there are any concerns about my child’s social or emotional well-being.
Parent–teacher trust94%city 95%
I feel respected by my child's teachers.97%
Staff at this school work hard to build trusting relationships with parents/guardians like me.91%
My child's teachers treat me as a partner in educating my child.94%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (94%) is their average, vs 95% citywide.
Show all survey topicsShow fewer
Rigorous Instruction
Strong Core Instruction81%city 92%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…reading and writing experiences grounded in evidence from text, both literary and informational. [ELA].62%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to interact with complex grade-level text and tasks. [ELA].100%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage with texts and tasks reflective of their diverse racial, cultural, and linguistic perspective. [ELA].88%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage in meaningful discussion that critically examines topics that connect to the daily lives of students. [ELA].88%
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]
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.
Female / male shares as published by the DOE; other gender identities aren’t reported in the source data.
Enrollment
General education
9
10
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↳ Students who live in the zone and have a sibling at the school.
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↳ Other students who live in the zone.
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↳ Students who live in the district and have a sibling at the school.
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↳ Students who live outside the district and have a sibling at the school.
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↳ Other students who live in the district.
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↳ All other applicants.
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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 16K308PK · Cycle 2024-2025
ZonedAthleticsInstrumental musicVisual arts
22 applicants · 18 seats last year; every priority group with applicants received offers.
↳ Students who live in the zone and have a sibling at the school.
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↳ Other students who live in the zone.
5
5
1.00
↳ Students who live in the district and have a sibling at the school.
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↳ Students who live outside the district and have a sibling at the school.
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↳ Other students who live in the district.
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↳ All other applicants.
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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 Applications / seat and where the outlook buckets come from is explained in our methodology.
23rd percentile citywide
School-managed budget
$5.8MPositions: 41
26th percentile citywide
Total spend per student
$49,856
92nd percentile citywide · city median $33,606
Staffing costs
Principal’s salary
$189K
18th percentile citywide
Principal and assistant principals
$189KPositions: 1
2nd percentile citywide
Teaching staff
$2.6MPositions: 20
18th percentile citywide
Where the school-managed budget goes
These five categories add up to the school-managed budget. They do not include the centrally-paid costs in total spend.
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (92%) is their average, vs 94% citywide.
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…focusing deeply on the concepts emphasized in the standards to help students build strong foundations for learning. [ELA].
75%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to interact with complex grade-level text and tasks. [Math].100%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage with texts and tasks reflective of their diverse racial, cultural, and linguistic perspective. [Math].88%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage in meaningful discussion that critically examines topics that connect to the daily lives of students. [Math].62%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…focusing deeply on the concepts emphasized in the standards to help students build strong foundations for learning. [Math].62%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (81%) is their average, vs 92% citywide.
Quality of Student Discussion51%city 67%
How many students in your classes…build on each other’s ideas during class discussions?.60%
How many students in your classes…use data or text references to support their ideas?.40%
How many students in your classes…show that they respect each other’s ideas?.60%
How many students in your classes…provide constructive feedback to their peers/teachers?.40%
How many students in your classes…participate in class discussions at some point?.53%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (51%) is their average, vs 67% citywide.
Collaborative Teachers
Peer Collaboration89%city 87%
At this school…the principal/school leader, teachers, and staff collaborate to make this school run effectively.87%
At this school…teachers design instructional programs (e.g. lessons, units) together.87%
At this school…teachers make a conscious effort to coordinate their teaching with instruction at other grade levels.92%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (89%) is their average, vs 87% citywide.
Cultural Awareness and Inclusive Classroom Instruction84%city 92%
I am able to...receive support around how to incorporate students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds in my practice.71%
I am able to...modify instructional activities and materials to meet the developmental needs and learning interests of all my students.100%
I am able to...ensure instruction represents multiple perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds.93%
I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple genders, gender identities and expressions and sexual orientations.79%
I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple races and ethnicities.85%
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).92%
I am able to...apply my knowledge of parents' various cultural backgrounds when collaborating with them regarding their child's educational progress.92%
I am able to...develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs for my students with disabilities.77%
I am able to...monitor progress on Individualized Education Program goals for my students with disabilities.92%
I am able to...distinguish linguistic/cultural differences from learning difficulties.92%
I have conversations about race and racism at my school that help me examine my own beliefs around identity.53%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (84%) is their average, vs 92% citywide.
Quality of Professional Development80%city 82%
Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...included enough time to think carefully about, try, and evaluate new ideas.73%
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.80%
Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...directly related to my students’ needs.87%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (80%) is their average, vs 82% citywide.
Innovation and Collective Responsibility65%city 79%
How many teachers at this school…help build a welcoming school environment in the entire school, not just their classroom?.73%
How many teachers at this school…are actively trying to improve their teaching?.73%
How many teachers at this school…take responsibility for improving the school?.53%
How many teachers at this school…are eager to try new ideas?.60%
How many teachers at this school…feel responsible that all students learn?.67%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (65%) is their average, vs 79% citywide.
School Commitment60%city 83%
I usually look forward to each working day at this school.67%
I would recommend this school to parents/guardians seeking a place for their child.53%
I would recommend this school to other teachers as a place to work.60%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (60%) is their average, vs 83% citywide.
Supportive Environment
Classroom Behavior49%city 66%
How many students in your classes…listen carefully when the teacher gives directions?.67%
How many students in your classes…follow the rules in class?.47%
How many students in your classes…respond to challenging questions in class?.47%
How many students in your classes…do their work when they are supposed to?.36%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (49%) is their average, vs 66% citywide.
Effective School Leadership
Inclusive Leadership86%city 95%
The principal/school leader at this school…puts decisions made with families into action.85%
The principal/school leader at this school…works to create a sense of community in the school.86%
The principal/school leader at this school…ensures families are comfortable communicating with the school.87%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (86%) is their average, vs 95% citywide.
Instructional Leadership84%city 86%
The principal/school leader at this school...makes clear to the staff their expectations for meeting instructional goals.93%
The principal/school leader at this school...understands how children learn.80%
The principal/school leader at this school...sets high standards for student learning.87%
The principal/school leader at this school...participates in instructional planning with teams of teachers.93%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…supports teachers in implementing what they have learned in professional development.86%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…carefully tracks student academic progress.93%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…knows what’s going on in my classes.73%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…provides teachers with formative feedback to improve practice.67%
How many adults at this school…have access to school-based supports to assist in behavioral/emotional escalations?.87%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (84%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.
Program Coherence77%city 83%
At this school…once we start a new program, we follow up to make sure that it’s working.73%
At this school…it is clear how all of the programs offered are connected to our school’s instructional vision.73%
At this school…curriculum, instruction, and learning materials are well coordinated across the different grade levels at this school.85%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (77%) is their average, vs 83% citywide.
Teacher Influence52%city 66%
At this school…the principal/school leader encourages feedback through regular meetings with families and teacher leaders.87%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...hiring new professional personnel?.36%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...planning how discretionary school funds should be used?.29%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...selecting instructional materials and/or curriculum used in classrooms?.40%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...setting standards for student behavior?.67%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (52%) is their average, vs 66% citywide.
Strong Family-Community Ties
Building Families' Capacity as their Child's Primary Teacher100%city 96%
My child’s teachers give me helpful ideas about how I can support my child’s learning and development. [Birth-5].100%
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 (100%) is their average, vs 96% citywide.
Strong Relationships93%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].93%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (93%) is their average, vs 90% citywide.
Parent Involvement in School78%city 71%
Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…communicated with your child's teachers about your child's performance?.94%
Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…seen your child’s projects, artwork, homework, tests, or quizzes?.94%
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.22%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (78%) is their average, vs 71% citywide.
Trust
Teacher-Teacher Trust79%city 86%
Teachers in this school trust each other.71%
It's OK in this school to discuss feelings, worries, and frustrations with other teachers.80%
I feel respected by other teachers at this school.87%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (79%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.
Parent-Principal Trust79%city 94%
I feel respected by my child's principal/school leader.84%
I trust the principal/school leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).78%
The principal/school leader is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.75%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (79%) is their average, vs 94% citywide.
Teacher-Principal Trust74%city 84%
I feel respected by the principal/school leader at this school.73%
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.73%
I trust the principal/school leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).80%
The principal/school leader looks out for the personal welfare of the staff members.73%
The principal/school leader places the needs of children ahead of personal interests.93%
The principal and assistant principals function as a cohesive unit.60%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (74%) is their average, vs 84% citywide.
170
Economic Need Index
95%
Free / reduced lunch
95%
English learners
8%
Students with IEPs
34%
5 / ICT - General Ed Teacher
1
$132K
$132K
3-K / ICT - General Ed Teacher1$129K$129K
K / ICT - General Ed Teacher1$125K$125K
2 / WHOLE CLASS1$116K$116K
3,4,5 / SELF-CONTAINED SP ED1$116K$116K
4 / ICT - Special Ed Teacher1$116K$116K
ESL / PUSH IN/PULL OUT1$116K$116K
HUMANITIES / ICT - Special Ed Teacher1$116K$116K
HUMANITIES / WHOLE CLASS1$116K$116K
K,1 / WHOLE CLASS1$116K$116K
MATH / SUBJECT SPECIFIC1$116K$116K
SCIENCE - BIOLOGY / WHOLE CLASS1$116K$116K
SCIENCE - GENERAL SCIENCE / WHOLE CLASS1$116K$116K