Serving 1,232 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 75% of the student body (majority Asian), which is higher than the New York state average of 60% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 1,232 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 75%
- 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 1,232 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 94 teachers has grown by 14% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,232 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
94 teachers
Year Founded
1905
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 0.72. 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
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
40%
10%
Hispanic
27%
30%
Black
6%
16%
White
25%
40%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
82%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
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 schools are I.s. 281 Joseph B Cavallaro often compared to?
I.s. 281 Joseph B Cavallarois often viewed alongside schools like I.s. 228 David A Boody by visitors of our site.
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?
1,232 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, 27% of students are Hispanic, 25% of students are White, 6% of students are Black, 1% of students are American Indian, 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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