Serving 1,198 students in grades 6-8, I.s. 281 Joseph B Cavallaro ranks in the top 30% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 63% (which is higher than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 61% (which is higher than the New York state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Asian), which is higher than the New York state average of 61% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 1,198 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 76%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in NY
- Math Proficiency: 63% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 61% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 63% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
I.s. 281 Joseph B Cavallaro ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Diversity
School Overview
I.s. 281 Joseph B Cavallaro's student population of 1,198 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 92 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,198 students
Total Classroom Teachers
92 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Calendar
School Motto
Being humble and kind is part of our daily drive - #FullSTEAMahead!
School Rankings
I.s. 281 Joseph B Cavallaro ranks within the top 30% of all 4,346 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of I.s. 281 Joseph B Cavallaro is 0.71, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.73. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1236 out of 4346 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
61%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
78%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
11:1
Asian
40%
10%
Hispanic
28%
31%
Black
7%
15%
White
24%
39%
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)25.3%
34.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
82%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is I.s. 281 Joseph B Cavallaro's ranking?
I.s. 281 Joseph B Cavallaro is ranked #1236 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in New York.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
63% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while 61% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
How many students attend I.s. 281 Joseph B Cavallaro?
1,198 students attend I.s. 281 Joseph B Cavallaro.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
40% of I.s. 281 Joseph B Cavallaro students are Asian, 28% of students are Hispanic, 24% of students are White, 7% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of I.s. 281 Joseph B Cavallaro?
I.s. 281 Joseph B Cavallaro has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does I.s. 281 Joseph B Cavallaro offer ?
I.s. 281 Joseph B Cavallaro offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is I.s. 281 Joseph B Cavallaro part of?
I.s. 281 Joseph B Cavallaro is part of New York City Geographic District #21.
School Reviews
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