P.S. 123 Suydam
Grades K-5 · 100 IRVING AVENUE · Brooklyn
Arelis Parache, Principal · 718-821-4810
ps123k.orgAbout
P.S. 123 Suydam is an elementary school in Brooklyn serving students from 3-K through 5th grade. The school is known for its strong sense of community and a nurturing environment, with parents consistently reporting high satisfaction with the school's climate and staff. It operates as a Magnet School for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), offering updated technologies, a dance room, science and hydroponics labs, and a robotics lab. The school also provides various STEAM-related after-school programs, including violin, flute, dance, science, engineering, and Lego robotics. A Spanish Dual Language program is available, catering to its diverse student body, which includes a significant percentage of English Language Learners. While academic proficiency in ELA and Math is below the citywide median, the school maintains a very low suspension rate of 0%, indicating a positive and safe school climate. Parents frequently praise the caring teachers and supportive principal, highlighting a family-like atmosphere.
Sources (13)
- P.S. 123 Suydam Official Data · 2023-2024
- P.S. 123 - Suydam Reviews - Niche · 2024
- Ps 123 Suydam in Brooklyn, NY | realtor.com® · 2025
- P.S. 123 Suydam - NYC Public Schools · 2026
- PS 123K Suydam Magnet School for STEAM | Brooklyn NYC · 2026
- P.S. 123 Suydam in Brooklyn, NY - Homes.com · 2025
- P.S. 123 Suydam - District 32 - InsideSchools · 2025
- niche.com
- realtor.com
- ps123k.org
- homes.com
- insideschools.org
- trulia.com
Academics
State test proficiency rates and acceleration.
ELA proficiency
38%
Math proficiency
44%
Proficiency rates are from the Grade 3–8 NYS state test (school-level).
Attendance rate
96%
Avg class size (general ed)
26.58
Avg class size (ICT)
26.33
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
90%100% response rate
Teacher survey · overall positive
75%78% response rate
Survey topics
Safety89%city 89%
- My students are safe…outside around this school.91%
- My students are safe…traveling between home and this school.91%
- My students are safe…in the hallways, bathrooms, locker rooms, and cafeteria of this school.97%
- My students are safe…in my class(es).97%
- Conflicts are resolved fairly in my school.69%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (89%) is their average, vs 89% citywide.
Bullying prevention32%city 42%
- At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate other students.32%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (32%) is their average, vs 42% citywide.
Emotional support72%city 84%
- How many adults at this school…help students develop the skills they need to complete challenging coursework despite obstacles?.77%
- How many adults at this school…tell their students they believe they can achieve high academic standards?.86%
- How many adults at this school…teach students how to advocate for themselves?.69%
- How many adults at this school…recognize disruptive behavior as social-emotional learning opportunities?.57%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (72%) is their average, vs 84% citywide.
Academic expectations91%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.92%
- How many students in your classes…have to work hard to do well?.89%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (91%) is their average, vs 87% citywide.
College & career guidance30%city 90%
- It’s a priority at this school that adults…provide students with guidance on the high school application process.30%
- It’s a priority at this school that adults…provide families with guidance on the high school application process.30%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (30%) is their average, vs 90% 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.95%
- At this school…staff regularly communicate with families about how they can help students learn.100%
- At this school…school staff value families' race, ethnicity, culture, family structure, and background.95%
- School staff regularly communicate with me about how I can help my child learn.89%
- Teachers work closely with me to meet my child's needs.90%
- 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.97%
- My child's school will make me aware if there are any concerns about my child’s social or emotional well-being.96%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (95%) is their average, vs 94% citywide.
Parent–teacher trust98%city 95%
- I feel respected by my child's teachers.98%
- Staff at this school work hard to build trusting relationships with parents/guardians like me.97%
- My child's teachers treat me as a partner in educating my child.98%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (98%) is their average, vs 95% citywide.
Show all survey topicsShow fewer
Rigorous Instruction
Strong Core Instruction85%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].91%
- 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].91%
- 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].83%
- 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].77%
- 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].78%
- 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].83%
- 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].67%
- 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].78%
- 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].83%
- 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. [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 with texts and tasks reflective of their diverse racial, cultural, and linguistic perspective. [English as a New Language (ENL)].86%
- 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)].86%
- 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)].100%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (85%) is their average, vs 92% citywide.
Quality of Student Discussion55%city 67%
- How many students in your classes…build on each other’s ideas during class discussions?.50%
- How many students in your classes…use data or text references to support their ideas?.37%
- How many students in your classes…show that they respect each other’s ideas?.74%
- How many students in your classes…provide constructive feedback to their peers/teachers?.45%
- How many students in your classes…participate in class discussions at some point?.71%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (55%) is their average, vs 67% citywide.
Collaborative Teachers
Cultural Awareness and Inclusive Classroom Instruction83%city 92%
- I am able to...receive support around how to incorporate students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds in my practice.89%
- I am able to...modify instructional activities and materials to meet the developmental needs and learning interests of all my students.84%
- I am able to...ensure instruction represents multiple perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds.89%
- I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple genders, gender identities and expressions and sexual orientations.82%
- I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple races and ethnicities.92%
- 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).81%
- I am able to...apply my knowledge of parents' various cultural backgrounds when collaborating with them regarding their child's educational progress.87%
- I am able to...develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs for my students with disabilities.85%
- I am able to...monitor progress on Individualized Education Program goals for my students with disabilities.94%
- I am able to...distinguish linguistic/cultural differences from learning difficulties.80%
- I have conversations about race and racism at my school that help me examine my own beliefs around identity.47%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (83%) is their average, vs 92% citywide.
Quality of Professional Development76%city 82%
- Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...included enough time to think carefully about, try, and evaluate new ideas.78%
- 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.73%
- Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...directly related to my students’ needs.78%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (76%) is their average, vs 82% citywide.
Peer Collaboration74%city 87%
- At this school…the principal/school leader, teachers, and staff collaborate to make this school run effectively.76%
- At this school…teachers design instructional programs (e.g. lessons, units) together.84%
- 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 (74%) is their average, vs 87% citywide.
School Commitment67%city 83%
- I usually look forward to each working day at this school.79%
- I would recommend this school to parents/guardians seeking a place for their child.66%
- I would recommend this school to other teachers as a place to work.55%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (67%) is their average, vs 83% 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?.63%
- How many teachers at this school…are actively trying to improve their teaching?.74%
- How many teachers at this school…take responsibility for improving the school?.50%
- How many teachers at this school…are eager to try new ideas?.58%
- How many teachers at this school…feel responsible that all students learn?.79%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (65%) is their average, vs 79% citywide.
Supportive Environment
Classroom Behavior55%city 66%
- How many students in your classes…listen carefully when the teacher gives directions?.55%
- How many students in your classes…follow the rules in class?.76%
- How many students in your classes…respond to challenging questions in class?.32%
- How many students in your classes…do their work when they are supposed to?.57%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (55%) is their average, vs 66% citywide.
Effective School Leadership
Inclusive Leadership98%city 95%
- The principal/school leader at this school…puts decisions made with families into action.98%
- The principal/school leader at this school…works to create a sense of community in the school.98%
- The principal/school leader at this school…ensures families are comfortable communicating with the school.98%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (98%) is their average, vs 95% citywide.
Instructional Leadership79%city 86%
- The principal/school leader at this school...makes clear to the staff their expectations for meeting instructional goals.84%
- The principal/school leader at this school...understands how children learn.76%
- The principal/school leader at this school...sets high standards for student learning.92%
- The principal/school leader at this school...participates in instructional planning with teams of teachers.87%
- The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…supports teachers in implementing what they have learned in professional development.71%
- The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…carefully tracks student academic progress.92%
- The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…knows what’s going on in my classes.68%
- The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…provides teachers with formative feedback to improve practice.82%
- How many adults at this school…have access to school-based supports to assist in behavioral/emotional escalations?.59%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (79%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.
Program Coherence76%city 83%
- At this school…once we start a new program, we follow up to make sure that it’s working.82%
- At this school…it is clear how all of the programs offered are connected to our school’s instructional vision.79%
- At this school…curriculum, instruction, and learning materials are well coordinated across the different grade levels at this school.67%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (76%) is their average, vs 83% citywide.
Teacher Influence45%city 66%
- At this school…the principal/school leader encourages feedback through regular meetings with families and teacher leaders.84%
- How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...hiring new professional personnel?.18%
- 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?.32%
- How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...setting standards for student behavior?.63%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (45%) 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 Relationships90%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].90%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (90%) is their average, vs 90% citywide.
Parent Involvement in School74%city 71%
- Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…communicated with your child's teachers about your child's performance?.92%
- Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…seen your child’s projects, artwork, homework, tests, or quizzes?.95%
- 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.10%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (74%) is their average, vs 71% citywide.
Trust
Parent-Principal Trust96%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).96%
- The principal/school leader is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.96%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (96%) is their average, vs 94% citywide.
Teacher-Teacher Trust78%city 86%
- Teachers in this school trust each other.68%
- It's OK in this school to discuss feelings, worries, and frustrations with other teachers.74%
- I feel respected by other teachers at this school.92%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (78%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.
Teacher-Principal Trust72%city 84%
- I feel respected by the principal/school leader at this school.84%
- The principal/school leader at this school is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.71%
- The principal/school leader has confidence in the expertise of the teachers at this school.63%
- I trust the principal/school leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).68%
- The principal/school leader looks out for the personal welfare of the staff members.71%
- The principal/school leader places the needs of children ahead of personal interests.74%
- The principal and assistant principals function as a cohesive unit.76%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (72%) 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
96%
Chronic absenteeism
35%
Suspension rate
0%
Teachers[7]
Teachers with 4+ years' experience
56%
Students per teacher
9:1
Teaching out of certification
12%
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]
- Black 5%
- Hispanic 91%
- White 1%
School-level totals; may not sum to 100% due to rounding and small subgroup suppression.
Gender[4]
- Female 49%
- Male 51%
Female / male shares as published by the DOE; other gender identities aren’t reported in the source data.
Enrollment
408
Economic Need Index
91%
Free / reduced lunch
96%
English learners
41%
Students with IEPs
25%
Admissions
2 programs. Each has its own admissions method, and each track within a program has its own seats, demand, and priority order.
Kindergarten (32K123)
Program code 32K123KG · Cycle 2024-2025
42 applicants · 50 seats last year; every priority group with applicants received offers.
| priority group | Seats | Applicants | Apps / seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| General education | 50 | 42 | — |
↳ Students who live in the zone and have a sibling at the school. | — | — | — |
↳ Other students who live in the zone. | 20 | 20 | 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. | — | — | — |
↳ Students who live in the district who are currently enrolled at the school for pre-K. | — | — | — |
↳ Students who live outside the district who are currently enrolled at the school for pre-K. | — | — | — |
↳ Other students who live in the district. | 10 | 10 | 1.00 |
↳ Other students who live outside the district. | — | — | — |
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”).
Kindergarten Spanish Dual Language (32K123)
Program code 32K123SP · Cycle 2024-2025
20 applicants · 25 seats last year.
| priority group | Seats | Applicants | Apps / seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| General education | 25 | 20 | — |
↳ Students who live in the zone and have a sibling at the school. | — | — | — |
↳ Other students who live in the zone. | — | — | — |
↳ 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. | — | — | — |
↳ Students who live in the district who are currently enrolled at the school for pre-K. | — | — | — |
↳ Students who live outside the district who are currently enrolled at the school for pre-K. | — | — | — |
↳ Other students who live in the district. | — | — | — |
↳ Other students who live outside the district. | — | — | — |
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.