Albert Shanker School for Visual and Performing Arts

Test scores here have nearly doubled over eight years — ELA rose from 38.8% to 57.7% and Math from 28.8% to 57.2% — a genuine improvement story. However, current proficiency sits slightly below the District 30 averages (ELA 60.7%, Math 62.2%), placing the school in the middle tier of a historically strong district. Grade 7 shows particular strength in Math (70.5%), while Grade 6 leads in ELA (58.5%). The recent 2024-2025 data shows a slight ELA dip and Math plateau, suggesting the school is holding ground rather than accelerating further — something families should monitor.

The survey data tells a striking story: teachers rate instruction quality at 99% and principal trust at 100%, with parent trust also high at 96-98%. This is exceptional — well above district averages. Attendance tells a different story though: while the overall rate of 91.5% is close to district average, chronic absenteeism sits at a troubling 72%, meaning nearly three-quarters of students are missing significant school time. The data shows stark differences by group — Asian families have 91.5% attendance versus Hispanic families at 64.9% chronic absence. Discipline shows stability (11 suspensions, 3% rate, matching prior years), so the absenteeism appears to be the primary climate concern rather than safety or behavior issues.

With 470 students in grades 6-8 plus special education programs, the school reflects its neighborhood's diversity: 43% Hispanic, 27% Asian, 14% Black, 12% White. The diversity index of 77% is high, and the economic need index of 79.6% indicates most families face significant financial challenges. The neighborhood has a moderate 20.8% poverty rate, below-average homeownership (20%), and a strong education orientation (78th percentile), suggesting families who live here value schooling even if they struggle to get kids there consistently.

Old Astoria-Hallets Point is a densely populated, transit-accessible Queens neighborhood with significant immigrant families and changing demographics. The area scores high on education orientation (78th percentile) but lower on stability (29th percentile), reflecting a neighborhood in transition. Safety scores are moderate (39th percentile), and the area has typical urban environmental concerns (air quality, traffic). Families should know this is a real-deal neighborhood with character — not a polished enclave, but one with strong community roots and good access to the N/W trains.

Accessible via N/W trains at Astoria-Ditmars and 39th Avenue, plus multiple bus routes; the area is walkable but families should factor commute time from farther-flung parts of the district