District 20
Once known for Italian and Norwegian communities, District 20 is now predominantly Asian and Russian-speaking, with significant communities from Latin America and the former USSR. Neighborhoods like Bensonhurst, Bay Ridge, and Sunset Park are home to Chinese, Filipino, and Russian communities.
Cultural highlights here include nearby Sunset Park’s Chinatown with festivals, authentic cuisine, and cultural events. The district’s neighborhoods offer a welcoming, multicultural environment with access to parks and waterfront areas, ideal for family activities.
PS 748 Brooklyn School for Global Scholars (K-5) is a top-performing elementary school with a global, inquiry-based curriculum. Brooklyn School of Inquiry offers a citywide gifted and talented program focused on critical thinking and creativity. In the same building, The Academy of Talented Scholars (K-5) uses a lottery to admit district students to a rigorous academic program.
IS 187 The Christa McAuliffe School (6-8) in Borough Park is a selective middle school with high test scores and successful placement in specialized high schools.
PS 200 The Benson School (PK - 5) offers a Russian dual language program combined with a Gifted & Talented track, serving students citywide. PS/IS 30 Mary White Ovington provides an Arabic dual language program.
View all District 20 elementary schools here and middle schools here.
District 20 Contacts
Who to contact:
Enrollment:
To enroll your child, go to the school or the nearest Family Welcome Center, not the district office.
Family Welcome Center
Community Education Council:
District 20 office
Special Education:
Most questions about special education can be answered by your child's teacher or principal. If you are new to New York City or your child attends private or parochial school, contact the nearest Committee on Special Education for an evaluation.
