Serving 301 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-44% (which is lower than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25-29% (which is lower than the New York state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is higher than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is higher than the New York state average of 60% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 301 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NY
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-59% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
School Overview
P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School's student population of 301 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has declined by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
301 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
'Truth and Honor'
School Rankings
P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 4,346 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School is 0.54, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3331 out of 4346 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
78%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
10%
Hispanic
48%
30%
Black
48%
15%
White
1%
40%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
92%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School's ranking?
P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School is ranked #3331 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New York.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while 25-29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
How many students attend P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School?
301 students attend P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School students are Hispanic, 48% of students are Black, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, 1% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School?
P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School has a student ration of 12:1, which is higher than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School offer ?
P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School part of?
P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School is part of New York City Geographic District #14.
In what neighborhood is P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School located?
P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School is located in the Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. There are 46 other public schools located in Bedford Stuyvesant.
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