Central Queens Academy Charter School

CQA's proficiency rates leave District 24 averages far behind — 80.3% in ELA versus a district average of about 51%, and 84% in math versus about 55%. The trajectory is clearly upward after a COVID-era dip in 2022, with sharp gains in both subjects by 2025. Scores by grade are strongest in middle school — seventh graders hit 97.8% math proficiency — though there's a notable dip in fifth grade, where proficiency drops to 64.5% in math and 69.9% in ELA. The overall quality review score of 3.29 out of 4 is well above the district average of 2.12.

The trust signals here are unusually strong: 98% of parents trust their child's teacher and the principal, and 97% feel their school is safe. Teacher-reported safety is also high at 97%, beating the district average of about 95%. Day-to-day, this reads as a school where adults feel heard and families are plugged in — 852 families responded to the survey, a remarkable turnout. But there's a serious gap worth naming: 80.9% of students are chronically absent, far above typical levels, even among groups like Asian students (89.8%) who score very well academically. The strong results are being achieved despite — not because of — regular daily attendance.

About 500 students attend CQA, and the population mirrors the surrounding neighborhood closely — 69% Hispanic, 18% Asian, with smaller shares of Black, white, and multiracial students. The diversity index sits at 53%. The economic need index of 78.1% indicates most students come from low-income households, consistent with Elmhurst's working-class, immigrant-heavy character. IEP enrollment is relatively low at 8%, which may reflect either fewer identified students or limited specialized programming.

Elmhurst is one of the densest and most diverse neighborhoods in Queens, with a median household income around $68,000, a poverty rate of 11%, and about a quarter of households including children. Roughly 30% of adults hold a bachelor's degree. Most residents rent — homeownership sits below 27% — though the median home value is high at nearly $693,000, reflecting the broader Queens housing market.

CQA is genuinely walkable — Grand Av-Newtown (M, R) is about a 3-minute walk, with Woodhaven Blvd (M, R) roughly 9 minutes away and Elmhurst Av (M, R) about 11 minutes on foot.