Serving 244 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Ps/is 157 Benjamin Franklin Heath And Science Academy 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 10-14% (which is lower than the New York state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (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 95% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New York state average of 60% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 244 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Minority Enrollment: 95%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NY
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Ps/is 157 Benjamin Franklin Heath And Science Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
Ps/is 157 Benjamin Franklin Heath And Science Academy's student population of 244 students has declined by 41% over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
244 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
School Rankings
Ps/is 157 Benjamin Franklin Heath And Science Academy ranks within the bottom 50% of all 4,377 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Ps/is 157 Benjamin Franklin Heath And Science Academy is 0.46, 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
#4121 out of 4377 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
78%
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
2%
10%
Hispanic
71%
30%
Black
19%
16%
White
5%
40%
Hawaiian
1%
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
1%
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 Ps/is 157 Benjamin Franklin Heath And Science Academy's ranking?
Ps/is 157 Benjamin Franklin Heath And Science Academy is ranked #4121 out of 4,377 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?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% NY state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
How many students attend Ps/is 157 Benjamin Franklin Heath And Science Academy?
244 students attend Ps/is 157 Benjamin Franklin Heath And Science Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of Ps/is 157 Benjamin Franklin Heath And Science Academy students are Hispanic, 19% of students are Black, 5% of students are White, 2% of students are Asian, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Ps/is 157 Benjamin Franklin Heath And Science Academy?
Ps/is 157 Benjamin Franklin Heath And Science Academy has a student ration of 8:1, which is lower than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does Ps/is 157 Benjamin Franklin Heath And Science Academy offer ?
Ps/is 157 Benjamin Franklin Heath And Science Academy offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Ps/is 157 Benjamin Franklin Heath And Science Academy part of?
Ps/is 157 Benjamin Franklin Heath And Science Academy is part of New York City Geographic District #14 School District.
In what neighborhood is Ps/is 157 Benjamin Franklin Heath And Science Academy located?
Ps/is 157 Benjamin Franklin Heath And Science Academy is located in the Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. There are 46 other public schools located in Bedford Stuyvesant.
School Reviews
2 11/22/2010
I feel Administration and the Parent Coordinator are on the same team working against our childrens needs. They are looking out for themselves and their jobs. They take advantage of the immigrant population. The coordinator always has an excuse. The principal is always passing out excuses. PTA President and staff need to be more aware of their rights. Parents need to ask why their child is not learning. How come my child cannot do their homework to do basic math? The main population of 157 are Mexican immigrants and their culture usually NOT ALWAYS finds it to be disrespectful to question Authority Figures like administration of a school. The parents I have spoken to are afraid to question them. I explained to them that state test show that our children are not learning. PARENTS SHOULD DEMAND ANSWERS.
2 11/22/2010
Parents of color ,black parents are not welcome at P.S. 157. The parent coordinator and the principal has made that clear for years. We are made to feel like outsiders and are not respected. They speak Spanish and never bother to translate. They don't even ask. I feel uncomfortable and disrespected in that school.
5 11/22/2010
This is a great school! Administration always finds time for you, teachers care and want nothing but the best for children. I pray they expand so my child can stay in the school for 3 more years.
5 11/15/2010
The administration, and teachers in this school care alot about the kids. The space is beautiful and they always have something for parents. The parent coordinator works hard to get all the parents to come to workshops
5 11/15/2010
I recommend this school to everyone. They have many extra curricular activities such as Reader Theater,Piano, Dance, Sport competitions, Health and Wellness Program, Computers and ESL classes for parents. They also have a dedicated staff that their main priority is the student achievement and success.
5 11/15/2010
How credible are these comments?
Two of our children have graduated and one is currently attending PS 157. I came from another school where my children had serious security and academic problems. I no longer have these problems at PS 157. I have been here long enough to see the school changing for the better. I am very satisfied with the quality of the academic programs and the school activities my children have there. In the last 5 years I had two concerns and I spoke to the parent coordinator. She was of great help. She brought me to the principal, a pleasent young lady who immediately oppened her doors to me and my wife. I have no complaints about anything or anyone at this school.
I read the three messages posted here about PS 157 and this seems like one same upsent person making false acussations. I suggest to this person to sit down with the principal and if she does not resolve her problem, to go to someone else above her. But to stop trying to cause harms to the school by posting unsupportted and untruthful comments. Thruth always prevails!
2 10/26/2010
The only way I can review this school, is by my child's education. I am a working mother and do homework with my child when it is assigned. Something is terribly wrong. When I ask my child what did they do in school, the reply is Nothing. How can a teacher give out homework and not give a lesson throughout the day? My child is struggling in school. I will be looking into a charter school in my neighborhood.
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