Home to the beach communities of Coney Island and Brighton Beach, District 21 has strong, traditional schools catering to longtime Italian-American residents, and, increasingly, an Asian population, living in single-family homes in Bensonhurst. While its Brighton Beach neighborhood has a strong Russian community, some of the top high school basketball players in the city come from the public housing developments in Coney Island. The district also is home to the New York Aquarium.
District 21 Contacts
1401 Emmons Ave.
Superintendent:
Each district has two superintendents--one in charge of elementary and middle schools, one in charge of high schools--who appoint principals, evaluate schools and approves budgets.
Elementary and middle school superintendent: Isabel Dimola, (718) 648-0209
High school superintendent: Michael Prayor, (718) 368-8515
*Superintendent for most high schools situated in District 21
For individual parent concerns, contact:
Elementary and middle school family support coordinator: Mary Montemarano, (718) 648-0209
High school family support coordinator: Melissa Thomas, (718) 290-8675
For help with PTAs or district-wide events, contact:
Elementary and middle school family leadership coordinator: Georgette Pezzolanti, (718) 648-0209
High school family leadership coordinator: Mark Moses, (718) 290-8675
Enrollment:
To enroll your child, go to the school or the nearest Family Welcome Center, not the district office.
Family Welcome Center
415 89th St. 5th Floor
Phone: (718) 759-4942
This center handles both general education and special education enrollment
Community Education Council:
The elected members of the Community Education Council (CEC) approve school zoning lines and advise on education policy.
CEC: Community Education Council 21, (718) 232-2161
District 21 office
1401 Emmons Avenue
Special Education:
Most questions about special education can be answered by your child's teacher or principal. If you are new to New York City or your child attends private or parochial school, contact the nearest Committee for Special Education for an evaluation.
Committee on Special Education
Amine Haddad
415 89th St.
Phone: (718) 759-4900
If these offices can not answer your questions, see
DOE contacts
