Serving 265 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 8:1 is lower than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New York state average of 61% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 265 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- 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
Top Rankings
P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School's student population of 265 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
265 students
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
Year Founded
1905
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 0.55, 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
#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
8:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
10%
Hispanic
50%
31%
Black
45%
15%
White
1%
39%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
94%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
2%
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?
265 students attend P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
50% of P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School students are Hispanic, 45% of students are Black, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, 1% of students are White, 1% of students are Hawaiian, 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 8:1, which is lower 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.
School Reviews
Review P.s. 59 The Dawn Best School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
