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I.S. 281 Joseph B Cavallaro

District 21 · Brooklyn · Grades 6 to 8 · 21K281

At a glance

Address
8787 24 AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY 11214
Subway
D to 25th Av
Admissions
Zone Priority, Audition, Talent Test, Language Criteria
Links
School websiteMySchools page

Details last checked against MySchools on October 14, 2026. Report a problem · Add a tour we missed

Tours and open houses · 2 posted

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Admissions

For fall 2027 entry · from MySchools, checked October 14

  • Joseph B. Cavallaro (I.S. 281) (K281U), K281U

    Zone Priority — Students who live within a particular school zone are given priority for this program.

  • Joseph B. Cavallaro (I.S. 281) Magnet Program (Art) (K281AR), K281AR

    Audition — Students are ranked by the school based on their auditions. Offers are made in priority group and rank order.

  • Joseph B. Cavallaro (I.S. 281) Magnet Program (Computer/Math) (K281CM), K281CM

    Talent Test — Offers are made based on Mark Twain/District 21 talent test score.

  • Joseph B. Cavallaro (I.S. 281) Magnet Program (Creative Writing/Journalism) (K281JO), K281JO

    Talent Test — Offers are made based on Mark Twain/District 21 talent test score.

  • Joseph B. Cavallaro (I.S. 281) Magnet Program (Dance) (K281DA), K281DA

    Audition — Students are ranked by the school based on their auditions. Offers are made in priority group and rank order.

  • Joseph B. Cavallaro (I.S. 281) Magnet Program (Science) (K281SC), K281SC

    Talent Test — Offers are made based on Mark Twain/District 21 talent test score.

  • Joseph B. Cavallaro (I.S. 281) Magnet Program (Vocal Music) (K281VO), K281VO

    Audition — Students are ranked by the school based on their auditions. Offers are made in priority group and rank order.

  • Joseph B. Cavallaro (I.S. 281) Mandarin Dual Language Program (K281M), K281M

    Language Criteria — Students are ranked by the school based on English proficiency and/or home language. Offers are made in priority group and rank order. See program details for more information

  • Joseph B. Cavallaro Magnet Program (Athletics) (K281AT), K281AT

    Talent Test — Offers are made based on Mark Twain/District 21 talent test score.

Clubs, arts and sports

Visual & performing arts
Art, Art, Ceramics, Creative Writing, Creative Writing, Dance, Dance, Drama, Drama, Fashion, Fashion, Fine Arts, General Dance, General Visual Arts, Graphic Design, Latin Dance, Performing Arts, Theater, Theater, Urban Arts, Visual Arts, Visual Arts
STEM
Coding, Coding, Computer Science, Engineering, Engineering, Forensics, Game Design, Lego Robotics, LEGO Robotics, Math Team, Math Team, Robotics, Robotics, Science Club, STEM, STEM, Technology, Technology, Urban Advantage, Video Game Club, Web Design
Sports & fitness
Fitness, Fitness, Mindfulness, Physical Education, Soccer, Volleyball, Yoga, Yoga
Academics
Algebra I, American Sign Language, Health, Homework Help, Library, Living Environment, Math, Middle School Algebra ACC, Middle School Biology ACC, Middle School Framework US History ACC, Regents Living Environment, Saturday Academy, Saturday Academy, Science, Specialized High School Test Preparation, Stock Market, Tutoring, US History, World Languages (Middle School)
Clubs & leadership
Book Club, Book Club, Chess, Chess, Cooking, Cooking, Debate, Debate, Gardening, Green Team, Leadership, National Junior Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, Peer Mediation, Peer Mediation, Restorative Circles, Spelling Bee, Student Council, Student Council, Talent Show, Virtual Enterprise, Yearbook, Yearbook
Programs
Extended Day, Free After School Program, Summer Session, Uniform, Weekend Program

About the school

It is our vision to guide students in the development of their character and academic potential so they can become future teachers, leaders and dreamers. We provide rigorous, challenging, content-rich programs to prepare students for college and careers, in addition to developing their Social Emotional growth with ThinkCERCA, NewsELA, IXL, Cloud9, i-Ready etc. Staff, parents and students effectively communicate and support our high academic and behavioral standards using Jupiter, MySchools and the web. I.S. 281 is a technology rich school, using laptops and smart boards in every classroom to engage and stimulate our students. We are a STEM school where our scholars are exposed to Robotics, Hydroponics, 3D printing, Flight Simulation, Engineering, Environmental projects, Agriculture and Carpentry. In addition, we have a Virtual Enterprise program cultivating future CEO's and entrepreneurs. Our Art programs flourish with students dancing at high end venues such as NYC Festivals and Parades. Student Art pieces are displayed at Washington Square Park, Prospect Park and the South Brooklyn Borough Center. Our athletic teams are Borough and City Champions. We believe in educating the whole child!

From MySchools.