Academy of the City Charter School

Test scores here have been on a bumpy ride. The school hit peak performance in 2018-2019 (ELA at 65%, math at 71%) but has since declined, with current scores at 57% ELA and 49% math — both below the District 30 averages of 61% and 62%. Math has been particularly volatile, dropping to 39% in 2022 before partially recovering. Grade-level data shows 8th graders performing strongest in ELA (66%) while 6th grade math lags at just 31%. The overall quality score of 2.13 out of 4 also falls below the district average of 2.46.

The climate picture is paradoxical. Teachers give a perfect 100% safety rating, and parent trust metrics are exceptional — 95% trust between parents and teachers, 96% trust in leadership. These aren't small margins; they're near-universal endorsement. Yet chronic absenteeism sits at a troubling 70%, meaning most students miss significant school time. The data shows relatively even absenteeism across groups (70% male, 70% white, 84% Asian, but 47% Black and 68% Hispanic), suggesting it's a systemic issue rather than a subgroup problem. The disconnect between high trust and high absenteeism is worth a parent conversation — families clearly feel good about the school culture but something is preventing consistent attendance.

With 717 students across K-8 and a class size matching the district average (23.6), the school has a substantial footprint. The demographics lean heavily Hispanic (52%) with significant Asian representation (26%), reflecting Astoria's population. The diversity index of 69% and economic need index of 61.4% indicate a working- to middle-class community. About 11% of students have IEPs, and the school includes all grade levels under one roof — a common setup for charters serving the full K-8 span.

Astoria is known for its mix of immigrants, young professionals, and longtime residents, with a strong Greek and Hispanic presence. The neighborhood has decent transit options and some green space, though it's more urban than family-focused. Median home values over $830,000 tell you this isn't an inexpensive area, yet the poverty rate is moderate at 10% and household income sits around $79,000. Education orientation scores a decent 59, suggesting families in the area prioritize schools but aren't in an ultra-competitive zone. The safety score of 39 is notably low — parents should know this is an area where street-level awareness matters.

Families walk and take public transit; the area is grid-friendly and well-served by buses and the subway line