School Overview
P.S. 212, also known as the Lady Deborah Moody School, is a public elementary school located in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn, New York. Serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through grade 5, the school is part of the New York City Department of Education’s District 21. It is named in honor of Lady Deborah Moody, an English noblewoman who was the first woman to establish a settlement in the New World (Gravesend, Brooklyn) and a historical figure known for her commitment to religious tolerance and democratic governance.

The school is widely recognized for its strong focus on community and inclusivity, mirroring the progressive spirit of its namesake. P.S. 212 serves a diverse student population and emphasizes a well-rounded academic curriculum that includes support for English Language Learners and students with special needs. Beyond traditional academics, the school typically integrates arts, physical education, and social-emotional learning into the daily schedule to ensure holistic development. With a long-standing presence in the neighborhood, the school remains a staple of the local community, frequently collaborating with parents and local organizations to foster a supportive learning environment.
586
Total Students
40.6
Full-Time Teachers
14.4
Student/Teacher Ratio
81.6%
Free/Reduced Lunch
Student Demographics

Student Demographics Data Table

Student Demographics for PS 212 LADY DEBORAH MOODY
Demographic Student Count
White111
Hispanic236
Black55
Asian174
Two or More5
American Indian4
Pacific Islander1
  • Hispanic
    236 (40.3 %)
  • Asian
    174 (29.7 %)
  • White
    111 (18.9 %)
  • Black
    55 (9.4 %)
  • Two or More
    5 (0.9 %)
  • American Indian
    4 (0.7 %)
  • Pacific Islander
    1 (0.2 %)
School Location
School Details
Status: Open
School Level: Elementary School
School Type: Regular School
Charter Status:* Public Non-Charter
Virtual Instruction: No virtual instruction
Shared Time Status: No
District: NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #21
Phone: (718)266-4841
Website: http://www.ps212brooklyn.org
Grade Range: Pre-K - 5th
Total Students: 586
Full-Time Teachers (FTE): 40.6
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 14.4
NSLP Participation:1 Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
Qualified Free Lunch: 470
Qualified Reduced Lunch: 8
Grades Taught
Pre-Kindergarten 46
Kindergarten 76
Grade 1 76
Grade 2 99
Grade 3 93
Grade 4 94
Grade 5 101
Ungraded 1

Grades Taught Data Table

Grades Taught and Student Counts for PS 212 LADY DEBORAH MOODY
Grade Student Count
Pre-Kindergarten46
Kindergarten76
Grade 176
Grade 299
Grade 393
Grade 494
Grade 5101
Ungraded1
Gender Ratio

Student Gender Ratio Data Table

Student Gender Ratio for PS 212 LADY DEBORAH MOODY
Gender Student Count Percentage
Female30451.9%
Male28248.1%
Nearby Elementary Schools (Within 10 Miles)