P.S. 261 Zipporiah Mills

P.S. 261 Philip Livingston, located in the desirable Boerum Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn, serves students from 3-K through 5th grade. The school demonstrates strong academic performance, with ELA proficiency rates well above the citywide median and math proficiency also exceeding the median. It maintains an exceptionally safe and supportive environment, evidenced by a 0% suspension rate and overwhelmingly positive feedback from parent surveys, which show 95-100% positive responses across various aspects of school life. Parents frequently describe the school as friendly and welcoming, noting opportunities to engage with their children, such as having breakfast together. The school is recognized for its economic, racial, and cultural diversity, a notable characteristic within New York City. An active Parent Teacher Association (PTA) supports a robust after-school program offering over 70 arts and athletic classes, including an annual Spring Musical, alongside before-school care. The school's mission emphasizes cross-cultural relationships, diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. There has been a community-led initiative to rename the school in honor of a beloved former principal, Zipporiah Mills, reflecting a strong sense of community and connection to its leadership.