At a Glance
A district-run alternative campus serving grades 6-12 in the heart of Jamaica, Queens
Families seeking a combined middle/high school option in a transit-accessible central Queens location, and parents comfortable with a school where academic performance data is not publicly available — requiring more hands-on engagement to assess quality.
- Serves grades 6-12 in a single campus — families can keep children in the same school through middle and high school
- Located in a transit-rich neighborhood with excellent subway and bus connectivity
- District-run alternative model may offer different programming than traditional zoned schools
- Average class sizes align with district averages, indicating typical resource allocation
- No publicly reported academic proficiency data — parents must rely on school visits and direct questions to assess academic quality
- No separate safety or climate survey data reported for this specific campus
- The neighborhood's low safety score (23rd percentile) may be a concern for some families
- Serving such a wide grade span (6-12) means the school must balance very different developmental needs
- Without data on extracurriculars, sports, or specialized programs, parents will need to inquire directly
Based on 2024 data
School SummaryDistrict 28
ALC - Jamaica Academy is the only alternative campus in District 28 listed among the peer schools data. The district's top-performing schools (P.S. 196 at 97/100, The Academy for Excellence through the Arts at 95/100) are traditional elementary schools, making direct comparison difficult. This school occupies a different niche as a district-run alternative serving grades 6-12.
Specific academic proficiency data is not available for this school, which means parents cannot directly compare its ELA and math performance against the district averages (62.8% ELA, 62.8% math). The school operates with an average class size of 24.5 students, nearly identical to the district average of 24.5, suggesting typical staffing ratios for the area. Without trend data, it's difficult to assess whether academic outcomes are improving, stable, or declining.
Teacher-reported safety at the school is not separately reported, but the district average for teacher-reported safety is 93.2%, indicating generally positive safety perceptions across District 28 schools. Parent satisfaction district-wide averages 92.6%, and teacher instruction quality averages 91.7%. The district's suspension rate of 0.37% is quite low, suggesting a relatively controlled disciplinary environment. Without specific survey data for this campus, the day-to-day culture feels like what you'd find in a typical District 28 middle/high school — structured but not punitive.
Jamaica is one of Queens' most ethnically diverse neighborhoods, with significant Caribbean, South Asian, and Latinx populations. The neighborhood has a moderate poverty rate of 16.8% and a homeownership rate of just 24.2%, meaning most families rent. About 25.5% of households have children, and 24.2% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher. The school draws from this diverse community, though specific demographic breakdowns for the student body are not available.
Jamaica is a major transportation hub in central Queens, with excellent transit access (90th percentile) making it convenient for families commuting from across the borough. However, the neighborhood scores poorly on safety (23rd percentile), which is a notable consideration for families. The area has moderate family density (87th percentile) and decent access to parks and health resources. Home values median around $616,000, reflecting Queens' competitive housing market.
The area is walkable and well-served by buses and the subway, making it accessible without a car. However, parents should be aware of the neighborhood's safety profile when considering routes and timing for younger students.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Jamaica Academy (ALC) a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for Jamaica Academy (ALC) yet on Motley. It's a public school serving grades 6 to 12 in Jamaica.
- What grades does Jamaica Academy (ALC) serve?
- Jamaica Academy (ALC) serves grades 6 to 12.
- Is Jamaica Academy (ALC) public, charter, or private?
- Jamaica Academy (ALC) is a public school in NYC Community School District 28.
- What neighborhood is Jamaica Academy (ALC) in?
- Jamaica Academy (ALC) is in Jamaica, Queens.
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