J.H.S. 201 The Dyker Heights, also known as The Madeleine Brennan School, is a large and high-achieving middle school in Brooklyn, serving grades 6-8. The school consistently demonstrates strong academic performance, with student proficiency in both English Language Arts (80%) and Math (85%) well above citywide medians and near the top quartile. A significant portion of students (40%) also engage in accelerated coursework, which is above the citywide median. The school is recognized for its commitment to "Academic Excellence" and provides rigorous, standards-aligned instruction, including an Algebra honors program. Parents generally report a positive experience, praising the dedicated teachers and supportive administration. The school fosters a nurturing environment while maintaining high expectations. It offers a variety of programs, including a selective Superintendent's Program, an Italian Dual Language Program, and Project-based Learning through STEAM. Extracurricular activities are available, and the school emphasizes strong parent partnerships. While some older feedback mentioned intense pressure in selective programs and limited after-school options, more recent accounts highlight a broad range of activities and a safe, diverse, and accepting student body. The school also has a Social and Emotional (SEAL) team to support student well-being.
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.
High-push
high confidence
Italian Dual Language ProgramBalancedhigh confidence
Algebra Honors ProgramHigh-pushhigh confidence
Zoned ProgramBalancedhigh confidence
Proficiency rates are from the Grade 3–8 NYS state test (school-level).
Attendance rate
97%
Avg class size (general ed)
25.19
Avg class size (ICT)
26.75
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.
I feel safe…traveling between home and this school.85%
I feel safe…in the hallways, bathrooms, locker rooms, and cafeteria of this school.72%
I feel safe…in my classes at this school.94%
Conflicts are resolved fairly in my school.89%
School Safety Agents promote a safe and respectful environment.78%
At this school students drink alcohol, use illegal drugs, or abuse prescription drugs.83%
At this school students get into physical fights.48%
At this school there is gang activity.80%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (76%) is their average, vs 76% citywide.
Bullying prevention48%city 57%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate other students.38%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate each other because of their race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, language/accent, or citizenship/immigration status.52%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate each other because of their gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.65%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate each other because of other differences, like different body type or disability.58%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate each other online (through mobile phones, social media, email, or other forms of electronic communication).46%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate other students.29%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (48%) is their average, vs 57% citywide.
Emotional support65%city 69%
I know where to go at my school if I need additional support with my mental-health.74%
During this school year, most days I have felt happy when at school.75%
During this school year, most days I have felt safe when at school.79%
During this school year, most days I have felt optimistic when at school.56%
During this school year, most days I have felt bored when at school.19%
During this school year, most days I have felt stressed when at school.28%
During this school year, most days I have felt worried when at school.46%
There is time at school to talk about feelings and emotions.45%
How many adults at this school…help students develop the skills they need to complete challenging coursework despite obstacles?.
Personal attention54%city 67%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? My teachers…ask if I have everything that I need to succeed in their class.46%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? My teachers…give me specific suggestions about how I can improve my work in class.57%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? My teachers…explain things a different way if I don't understand something in class.63%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? My teachers…support me when I am upset.40%
Adults at this school check in with me frequently about how I’m doing personally.34%
Adults at this school check in with me frequently about how I’m doing academically.68%
I feel like I belong at this school.73%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (54%) is their average, vs 67% citywide.
Academic expectations64%city 71%
The classes at this school prepare me for the next step in my education.87%
In how many of your classes …are you challenged?.44%
In how many of your classes …do your teachers have high expectations for you?.65%
In how many of your classes …are you encouraged to work in small groups?.47%
In how many of your classes …do your teachers want you to become better thinkers, not just memorize things?.64%
In how many of your classes …do you get so focused on learning during class activities that you lose track of time?.28%
In this school, the staff believes that all students can learn, including English language learners (ELLs), Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLLs), and students with disabilities.98%
How many students in your classes…have to work hard to do well?.82%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (64%) is their average, vs 71% citywide.
Clear instruction69%city 73%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? My teachers make learning expectations clear.75%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? Class assignments are purposeful in learning the course content.76%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? The work I do in class is good preparation for class assignments, projects, and assessments.80%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? I learn a lot from feedback on my work.46%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (69%) is their average, vs 73% citywide.
College & career guidance91%city 85%
This school provides me with guidance on the high school application process.86%
This school provides my family with guidance on the high school application process.83%
It’s a priority at this school that adults…provide students with guidance on the high school application process.97%
It’s a priority at this school that adults…provide families with guidance on the high school application process.97%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (91%) is their average, vs 85% citywide.
Family outreach94%city 94%
At this school…teachers understand families' challenges and concerns.98%
At this school…teachers work closely with families to meet students' needs.98%
At this school…staff regularly communicate with families about how they can help students learn.99%
At this school…school staff value families' race, ethnicity, culture, family structure, and background.96%
School staff regularly communicate with me about how I can help my child learn.87%
Teachers work closely with me to meet my child's needs.86%
My child's school communicates with me in a language that I can understand.96%
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.
Student–teacher trust76%city 82%
There is at least one adult at my school that I can confide in.75%
My teachers are open to students' ideas, suggestions, and comments.82%
My teachers always do what they say they will do.59%
My teachers treat me with respect.89%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (76%) is their average, vs 82% citywide.
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 Instruction95%city 91%
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. [Social Studies].92%
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. [Social Studies].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. [Social Studies].100%
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. [Social Studies].100%
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.
↳ Priority to students and residents of District 20
50
420
8.40
↳ Then to New York City residents
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”).
↳ Priority to students and residents of District 20
10
10
1.00
↳ Then to New York City residents
0
60
—
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”).
↳ Priority to students and residents of District 20
50
420
8.40
↳ Then to New York City residents
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”).
↳ Priority to applicants whose sibling(s) will be enrolled in this school next year
40
40
1.00
↳ Then to students residing in the zone
200
200
1.00
↳ Then to District 20 students and residents
0
110
—
↳ Then to New York City residents
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 many adults at this school…tell their students they believe they can achieve high academic standards?.94%
How many adults at this school…teach students how to advocate for themselves?.87%
How many adults at this school…recognize disruptive behavior as social-emotional learning opportunities?.83%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (65%) is their average, vs 69% citywide.
92%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (94%) 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. [Social Studies].
100%
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. [Science].100%
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. [Science].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. [Science].100%
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. [Science].100%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…creating coherent progressions within the standards from previous grades to current grade to build onto previous learning. [Science].100%
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].93%
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].93%
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].90%
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].97%
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].90%
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].84%
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].96%
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].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. [English as a New Language (ENL)].100%
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. [English as a New Language (ENL)].80%
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. [English as a New Language (ENL)].80%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (95%) is their average, vs 91% citywide.
Quality of Student Discussion74%city 67%
How many students in your classes…build on each other’s ideas during class discussions?.71%
How many students in your classes…use data or text references to support their ideas?.74%
How many students in your classes…show that they respect each other’s ideas?.81%
How many students in your classes…provide constructive feedback to their peers/teachers?.68%
How many students in your classes…participate in class discussions at some point?.76%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (74%) is their average, vs 67% citywide.
Collaborative Teachers
School Commitment98%city 83%
I usually look forward to each working day at this school.98%
I would recommend this school to parents/guardians seeking a place for their child.98%
I would recommend this school to other teachers as a place to work.98%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (98%) is their average, vs 83% citywide.
Peer Collaboration93%city 87%
At this school…the principal/school leader, teachers, and staff collaborate to make this school run effectively.94%
At this school…teachers design instructional programs (e.g. lessons, units) together.95%
At this school…teachers make a conscious effort to coordinate their teaching with instruction at other grade levels.89%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (93%) is their average, vs 87% citywide.
Quality of Professional Development91%city 82%
Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...included enough time to think carefully about, try, and evaluate new ideas.93%
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.88%
Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...directly related to my students’ needs.93%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (91%) is their average, vs 82% citywide.
Cultural Awareness and Inclusive Classroom Instruction88%city 89%
My teachers use examples of students’ different races and cultures in their lessons to make learning more meaningful for me.73%
My teachers use examples of students’ different backgrounds and families in their lessons to make learning more meaningful for me.69%
I see a variety of races, ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds positively represented in the curriculum.88%
I see a variety of genders, gender identities and expressions and sexual orientations positively represented in the curriculum.65%
At this school, we have productive conversations about race and racism where I feel my voice is heard.58%
My teachers treat students of different races, cultures, or backgrounds equally.91%
My teachers treat students of different genders, gender identities and expressions and sexual orientations equally.88%
I feel that my teachers respect my culture, background, and identity.
Innovation and Collective Responsibility79%city 79%
How many teachers at this school…help build a welcoming school environment in the entire school, not just their classroom?.82%
How many teachers at this school…are actively trying to improve their teaching?.83%
How many teachers at this school…take responsibility for improving the school?.77%
How many teachers at this school…are eager to try new ideas?.71%
How many teachers at this school…feel responsible that all students learn?.82%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (79%) is their average, vs 79% citywide.
Supportive Environment
Classroom Behavior78%city 66%
How many students in your classes…listen carefully when the teacher gives directions?.78%
How many students in your classes…follow the rules in class?.89%
How many students in your classes…respond to challenging questions in class?.63%
How many students in your classes…do their work when they are supposed to?.82%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (78%) is their average, vs 66% citywide.
Conflict Resolution73%city 79%
When a conflict arises, school staff use questions to encourage reflection and resolve it.73%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (73%) is their average, vs 79% citywide.
Effective School Leadership
Instructional Leadership94%city 86%
The principal/school leader at this school...makes clear to the staff their expectations for meeting instructional goals.98%
The principal/school leader at this school...understands how children learn.95%
The principal/school leader at this school...sets high standards for student learning.98%
The principal/school leader at this school...participates in instructional planning with teams of teachers.88%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…supports teachers in implementing what they have learned in professional development.94%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…carefully tracks student academic progress.95%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…knows what’s going on in my classes.92%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…provides teachers with formative feedback to improve practice.94%
How many adults at this school…have access to school-based supports to assist in behavioral/emotional escalations?.89%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (94%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.
Program Coherence93%city 83%
At this school…once we start a new program, we follow up to make sure that it’s working.93%
At this school…it is clear how all of the programs offered are connected to our school’s instructional vision.93%
At this school…curriculum, instruction, and learning materials are well coordinated across the different grade levels at this school.94%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (93%) is their average, vs 83% citywide.
Inclusive Leadership93%city 93%
The principal/school leader at this school…puts decisions made with families into action.95%
The principal/school leader at this school…works to create a sense of community in the school.96%
The principal/school leader at this school…ensures families are comfortable communicating with the school.96%
I have the opportunity to work with adults at this school to make decisions in important areas that impact my life (e.g. instruction, safety, conflict resolution, etc.).83%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (93%) is their average, vs 93% citywide.
Teacher Influence66%city 66%
At this school…the principal/school leader encourages feedback through regular meetings with families and teacher leaders.96%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...hiring new professional personnel?.39%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...planning how discretionary school funds should be used?.52%
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?.76%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (66%) is their average, vs 66% citywide.
Strong Family-Community Ties
Strong Relationships92%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].92%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (92%) is their average, vs 90% citywide.
Parent Involvement in School58%city 63%
Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…communicated with your child's teachers about your child's performance?.64%
Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…seen your child’s projects, artwork, homework, tests, or quizzes?.90%
I know how to contact the Parent Coordinator at my child’s school.19%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (58%) is their average, vs 63% citywide.
Trust
Parent-Principal Trust95%city 94%
I feel respected by my child's principal/school leader.97%
I trust the principal/school leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).94%
The principal/school leader is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.95%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (95%) is their average, vs 94% citywide.
Teacher-Principal Trust95%city 84%
I feel respected by the principal/school leader at this school.96%
The principal/school leader at this school is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.93%
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).94%
The principal/school leader looks out for the personal welfare of the staff members.96%
The principal/school leader places the needs of children ahead of personal interests.95%
The principal and assistant principals function as a cohesive unit.90%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (95%) is their average, vs 84% citywide.
Teacher-Teacher Trust95%city 86%
Teachers in this school trust each other.93%
It's OK in this school to discuss feelings, worries, and frustrations with other teachers.95%
I feel respected by other teachers at this school.96%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (95%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.
Student-Student Trust60%city 70%
Most students at this school treat each other with respect.59%
Most students treat students from different cultures or backgrounds equally.61%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (60%) is their average, vs 70% citywide.
1,526
Economic Need Index
68%
Free / reduced lunch
78%
English learners
10%
Students with IEPs
15%
SOCIAL STUDIES / WHOLE CLASS
11
$116K
$1.3M
PHYSICAL EDUCATION / WHOLE CLASS4$116K$462K
SPECIAL EDUCATION (OR ALL SUBJECTS) / SELF-CONTAINED SP ED3$116K$347K
ESL / WHOLE CLASS3$113K$340K
SELF CONTAINED SP ED / WHOLE CLASS3$81K$243K
ARTS / WHOLE CLASS2$116K$231K
FL - SPANISH / WHOLE CLASS2$116K$231K
SELF CONTAINED SP ED / ICT - Special Ed Teacher2$116K$231K
SELF CONTAINED SP ED / SELF-CONTAINED SP ED2$116K$231K
MUSIC INSTRUMENTAL / WHOLE CLASS1$167K$167K
FL - ITALIAN / WHOLE CLASS1$138K$138K
MATH / SUBJECT SPECIFIC1$129K$129K
ESL / PUSH IN/PULL OUT1$116K$116K
LIBRARY / WHOLE CLASS1$116K$116K
MUSIC / WHOLE CLASS1$116K$116K
SCIENCE - GENERAL SCIENCE / SELF-CONTAINED SP ED1$116K$116K
SPECIAL EDUCATION (OR ALL SUBJECTS) / WHOLE CLASS1$116K$116K
I am able to...receive support around how to incorporate students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds in my practice.96%
I am able to...modify instructional activities and materials to meet the developmental needs and learning interests of all my students.98%
I am able to...ensure instruction represents multiple perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds.96%
I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple genders, gender identities and expressions and sexual orientations.96%
I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple races and ethnicities.96%
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).98%
I am able to...apply my knowledge of parents' various cultural backgrounds when collaborating with them regarding their child's educational progress.98%
I am able to...develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs for my students with disabilities.99%
I am able to...monitor progress on Individualized Education Program goals for my students with disabilities.100%
I am able to...distinguish linguistic/cultural differences from learning difficulties.99%
I have conversations about race and racism at my school that help me examine my own beliefs around identity.67%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (88%) is their average, vs 89% citywide.