Average
#2169 of 4,739 schools in NY
Top 46% in state
PS 56 Lewis H Latimer
Elementary School · NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #13
170 GATES AVE, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Enrollment
245
Student-Teacher
14.4:1
Score
6.6
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
245
Student-Teacher
14.4:1
Score
6.6
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Brooklyn
#283 of 570
public schools
New York elementary schools
#1,231 of 2,549
In district
#26 of 40
NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #13
Academic growth
9.2 / 10
Exceptional
About PS 56 Lewis H Latimer
PS 56 Lewis H Latimer is an elementary school located in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. Serving students from Pre-K through fifth grade, PS 56 has a total enrollment of 245 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 14.4:1 with 17 full-time equivalent teachers. The school’s academic performance is rated at 3.4 out of 10 by MySchoolScout, placing it in the 30th percentile among New York state schools.
In terms of test scores, PS 56 has an ELA/Reading proficiency rate of 48% and a Math proficiency rate of 33%. While these figures indicate room for academic growth, they reflect the school's commitment to student development and continuous improvement. Located in a bustling urban setting, PS 56 is part of a vibrant community that offers numerous resources and opportunities for its students.
PS 56 Lewis H Latimer stands as a vital educational hub within the dynamic neighborhood of Brooklyn.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at PS 56 Lewis H Latimer are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Data not available for this school
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PS 56 Lewis H Latimer — Students at PS 56 Lewis H Latimer score 40% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 62%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
41.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NY NYSED (2020-21)
Based on 10 test records from NY state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.2/10.
How PS 56 Lewis H Latimer Compares
See how PS 56 Lewis H Latimer performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 27% (2019) to 30% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 37% (2019) to 49.5% (2021).
Location
170 GATES AVE, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering PS 56 Lewis H Latimer may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. PS 316 ELIJAH STROUD (rated 8.6/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is PS 11 PURVIS J BEHAN (rated 7.5/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, BROOKLYN WALDORF SCHOOL (rated 7.4/10, 0.2 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Brooklyn, see our Brooklyn schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 0.7 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 11238 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$132,957
Median Home Value
$1,146,000
Median Rent
$2,511/mo
Population
58,462
College Educated
71.2%
Homeownership
28.1%
Avg Commute
38.2 min
Poverty Rate
11.7%
Median Age
35.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding PS 56 Lewis H Latimer has a median household income of $132,957. It is a well-educated community where 71% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $1,146,000, with a median rent of $2,511/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.7%. The average commute in the area is 38 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL 2 (THE) Wyandanch, NY | 6.6 |
| AFRICAN ROAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Vestal, NY | 6.6 |
| ARCHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bronx, NY | 6.6 |
| BAYVILLE PRIMARY Bayville, NY | 6.6 |
| CONNOLLY SCHOOL Glen Cove, NY | 6.6 |
| CORNWELL AVENUE SCHOOL West Hempstead, NY | 6.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PS 56 Lewis H Latimer
What grades does PS 56 Lewis H Latimer serve?
PS 56 Lewis H Latimer serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend PS 56 Lewis H Latimer?
PS 56 Lewis H Latimer has an enrollment of approximately 245 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at PS 56 Lewis H Latimer?
The student-teacher ratio at PS 56 Lewis H Latimer is 14.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does PS 56 Lewis H Latimer rank in NY?
PS 56 Lewis H Latimer is ranked #2169 out of 4,739 schools in NY.
What is PS 56 Lewis H Latimer's MySchoolScout rating?
PS 56 Lewis H Latimer has a composite rating of 6.6 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at PS 56 Lewis H Latimer?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, PS 56 Lewis H Latimer has 33.2% math proficiency and 48.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is PS 56 Lewis H Latimer a charter school?
No, PS 56 Lewis H Latimer is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is PS 56 Lewis H Latimer a Title I school?
No, PS 56 Lewis H Latimer is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for PS 56 Lewis H Latimer?
41.2% of students at PS 56 Lewis H Latimer qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 245
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 17
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 41.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Kings County
- Phone
- (718) 857-3149
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #13- District Enrollment
- 19,232
- Schools in District
- 41
- District Rank
- #26 of 40
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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- Best States for Public Schools in 2026: A Complete Rankingdata insights
- Charter Schools vs Public Schools: What the Data Actually Shows (2026)school choice
- Student-Teacher Ratio by State: Complete 2026 Rankingsdata insights
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