District 21
In District 21, neighborhoods like Brighton Beach have long been home to Russian- and Ukrainian‑heritage families, while Bensonhurst and surrounding areas are seeing continued growth in Asian communities, especially among Chinese American households. The district also includes landmarks such as the iconic Coney Island Boardwalk, home to family‑friendly attractions like the New York Aquarium.
While most families are happy with their strong neighborhood schools, highlights include PS 215 Morris H. Weiss (K–5), known for its strong music and science programs and active community engagement.
The district has a few of the most selective middle schools in the city, I.S. 239 Mark Twain (6-8) is an audition/talent-tested middle school in arts, STEM, computer, and math. I.S. 98 Bay Academy (6-8) is a district-wide school offering double English/math blocks, Latin roots instruction, and a broad range of arts/STEM enrichment. I.S. 228 David A. Boody features dual-language tracks in Spanish, Mandarin, and Russian.
View all District 21 elementary schools here and middle schools here.
District 21 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 21 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 for Special Education for an evaluation.
