P.S. 207 Elizabeth G. Leary

A diverse school with large classes, PS 207 was formerly an elementary school but completed its growth to a full pre-kindergarten-8th-grade school in 2008. Mary Bosco has been principal since 1997. Marine Park is a solidly middle class neighborhood, mostly Italian and Irish American, which has attracted an increasing number of new immigrants over the years.

The expansion appears to have been successful, judging by the positive school surveys and test scores. Grades 2 through 8 are housed in a sturdy brick building adjacent to an asphalt yard with climbing equipment. Pre-kindergarten through 1st-grade children attend an early childhood center several blocks away.

PS 207 has long enjoyed good test scores, but a stated goal on the yearly plan is to boost math scores further by hosting Math Bees, administering weekly math quizzes and posting math facts around the school. Teachers are assisted by a math coach and have access to a Math Resource Center. 

Students explore music through song, history and musical instruments. The youngest ones sing and learn about composers; grades 5 through 8 participate in band and chorus, and 7th-graders learn to play piano. Third-graders work with dancers from the Brooklyn Ballet.

A variety of events and programs listed on the website aim to build community including Book Day, Patriotic Day, Flag Day, 25 Book Incentive, St. Jude's Math-A-Thon, book fair, newspaper, student council, City Harvest, Penny Harvest and the CHAMPS sports program.

A few downsides: On school surveys, teachers report they'd like more training in the use of technology and almost half of the students responded "rarely" when asked if they use computers during the day to complete assignments. On online blogs some parents grumble that older kids don't get outside often enough.

The school has district gifted and talented classes in 4th grade and up, and fast-track classes for high-achieving middle school students. Qualifying 8th-graders have the opportunity take living environment and algebra 1 Regents exams.

Students wear a uniform of navy, khaki or black bottoms, depending on their grade level, and light blue, navy, burgundy, red or cobalt blue tops.

Special education: There are ICT (integrated-co-teaching) classes on every grade level and mixed-age self-contained classes for kids with more serious needs. School data shows that children with special needs make good progress here compared to other schools across the city.

Admissions: Neighborhood school/district gifted and talented program. Middle school seats are only available to PS 207 5th-grade students. (Lydie Raschka, web reports and school data, September 2014)