P.S. 236 Mill Basin

PS 236 is a well-run, well-equipped school in a neighborhood with one- and two-family homes and manicured lawns. The school has an inviting library with big windows that overlook a reburished playground.

The school sets high academic standards, and test scores are above the citywide average. Statistics also show that children with special needs perform average or above on state tests. For a few years this well-regarded school seemed to falter under a principal that never fully gained the community's trust and received low marks on school surveys, but under new leadership things seem to have stablized.

Salil Paingankar became principal in November of the 2013-2014 school year, earning high marks on the Learning Environment Survey that yearwith 100 percent of teachers reporting he is a good manager.

A downside: There is no music teacher, but kids in the lower grades learn how to dance. The school website has pictures of science projects and other activities.

The outdoor play yard is spacious and clean with a bold track outline and an interesting climbing structure that looks like a giant spider web.

Special education: The school offers ICT (integrated co-teaching) classes for student with special needs.

Admissions: Neighborhood school. Students test into the district gifted and talented program housed at the school. (Lydie Raschka, web reports and school data, September 2014)