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J.H.S. 234 Arthur W. Cunningham

Grades: 6-8
Noteworthy
1875 East 17 Street
Brooklyn NY 11229
Phone: 718-645-1334

Our Insights

What’s Special

Meets needs of a diverse population

The Downside

Some students may find size overwhelming

Located in a cul-de-sac across from an elementary school, JHS 234 Arthur Cunningham is one of New York City’s largest middle schools and one of its most culturally diverse, serving students from more than 30 countries.

Cunningham stresses math, science and technology, with a double period of math once a week, enrichment offerings in robotics and engineering, and a student MOUSE squad that repairs the school's computers. Arts are also key as students may take dance, music, theater and visual arts from seven certified arts teachers. 

Starting in 6th grade, children are divided into three groups: Center for Intellectually Gifted (CIG), a District 22 program for academically advanced students; Cunningham’s own honors program; and general classes. Eighth graders in the advanced classes take three regents exams and the Spanish proficiency test. 

The school has generally good tests scores and a Department of Education report called the Quality Review praised teachers for adjusting tasks to the individual student and engaging children at all academic levels. Many students in a DOE survey, though, said teachers need to do more to help those who are behind, have trouble with a topic or simply need more support. The school has acknowledged this and indicated it is working to address it according to the Comprehensive Educational Plan (CEP).

Cunningham is a big school, with crowded hallways and large classes. While students feel safe in classrooms, some said in a Department of Education survey that they do not feel safe in common areas, and there have been reports of problems in the cafeteria, where as many as 500 students may be at a given time. 

Cunningham offers preparation for the Specialized High Schools Admission Test and sends many students to Brooklyn Tech, as well as to other selective high schools in Brooklyn and beyond. There is a robust after school program including various sports, chess and math teams, a modern rock band, theater and dance.

In 2018, Tami Flynn became principal, replacing Susan Schaeffer who had been at Cunningham in various capacities for more than 30 years.

Special education: There are team-teaching and self-contained classes.

Admissions: Fifth graders from throughout District 22 may apply to the CIG program and are selected by DOE based on 4th grade test scores and report card. Students from the Cunningham zone have priority for admission to the school’s general program. Students from elsewhere in District 22 may apply and are randomly selected. (Gail Robinson, information provided by the school and web reports, March 2019)

 

 

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School Stats

Citywide Average Key
This school is Better Near Worse than the citywide average

Is this school safe and well-run?

From the 2022-2023 NYC School Survey

How many students say they feel safe in the hallways, bathrooms and locker rooms?
77%
78% Citywide Average
How many students think bullying happens most or all of the time at this school?
60%
59% Citywide Average
How many teachers say the principal is an effective manager?
86%
84% Citywide Average
How many teachers say they would recommend this school to other families?
86%
82% Citywide Average

From the 2019-20 NY State Report Card

How many students were suspended?
1%
4% Citywide Average

From this school's most recent Quality Review Report

Are teachers effective?

From 2023 End-of-year Attendance and Chronic Absenteeism Report

How many teachers have 3 or more years of experience teaching?
90%
80% Citywide Average
Years of principal experience at this school
5.6

How do students perform academically?

From the New York State 2022-2023 Assessment Database

How many middle school students scored 3-4 on the state math exam?
67%
46% Citywide Average
How many middle school students scored 3-4 on the state reading exam?
62%
51% Citywide Average

From the 2022-23 School Quality Guide

How many 8th-graders earn high school credit?
91%
89% Citywide Average

Who does this school serve?

From the 2022-23 Demographic Snapshot

Enrollment
1337
Asian
27%
Black
9%
Hispanic
14%
White
47%
Other
4%
Free or reduced priced lunch
77%
Students with disabilities
15%
English language learners
18%

From the 2022-23 School Quality Guide

Average daily attendance
92%
91% Citywide Average
How many students miss 18 or more days of school?
28%
34% Citywide Average

From the 2020 School Directories

Uniforms required?
No

How does this school serve special populations?

From the New York State 2022-2023 Assessment Database

How many English language learners scored 3-4 on the state math exam?
36%
15% Citywide Average


For more information about our data sources, see About Our Data · More DOE statistics for this school

Contact & Location

Location

Sheepshead Bay (District 22)
Trains: B Line, Q Line to Kings Highway
Buses: B100, B2, B3, B31, B49, B68, B7, B82, BM3

Contact

Principal
Tami Flynn
Parent Coordinator
Marjorie Guttenplan

Other Details

Shared campus?
No
This school is in its own building.
Uniforms required?
No
Metal detectors?
No

Zone for the 2019-2020 school year. Call school to confirm.

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