David N. Dinkins School

The academic trajectory here is genuinely impressive. In 2017, only 31% of students passed ELA and 35% passed math — well below district averages. By 2025, math proficiency hit 66.5% (exceeding the district average of 63%) and ELA reached 60% (just shy of the 63% district average). Grade 4 leads the pack with 68% ELA and 71% math, while Grade 3 shows particularly strong math at 74%. The upward trend has been consistent year over year, suggesting whatever instructional changes were made starting around 2018 are working. That said, the school still trails some peer schools in the district — The Academy for Excellence through the Arts and P.S. 196 Grand Central Parkway both score in the mid-90s on city metrics.

Here's where things get complicated. The school has achieved something rare: zero suspensions for three consecutive years — a 0% rate compared to the district average of 0.37%. Family trust is exceptionally high: 95% parent-teacher trust and 94% parent-principal trust, with 93% reporting strong relationships. But there's a tension in the teacher survey data. Teacher-reported safety sits at 77% (district avg: 93%) and teacher instruction quality at 76% (district avg: 92%). Only 39 teachers responded to the survey, so take that with caution, but it's worth noting. The chronic absenteeism rate of 57% is a significant concern — well above the district average of 91% attendance. That impacts classroom dynamics and instruction. The day-to-day feel seems to be: families feel welcomed and trusted, teachers may be dealing with attendance challenges that affect instruction, and the zero-tolerance discipline approach appears to be working without pushing students out.

With 449 students across grades PK-5, this is a mid-sized elementary school. The student body is predominantly Black (45%) and Asian (28%), with Hispanic students at 22%. The diversity index of 70% reflects a mixed community. Economic need is high at 79.2%, and 16% of students have IEPs. PTA fundraising is modest at $27 per student (versus $165 district average), suggesting fewer extra resources from parent fundraising — though the school doesn't seem to need it given the academic gains. The neighborhood median household income is $74K with a 13.4% poverty rate, so families here are working- and middle-class.

South Jamaica is a predominantly residential Queens neighborhood with a family orientation score of 49% and moderate stability at 54%. Safety scores (49%) and transit access (40%) are below average — this is a car-friendly area, which matters for getting kids to school. The neighborhood has seen neighborhood improvement in recent years, with median home values around $588K and a homeownership rate of 46%. There are parks and community resources, though transit-dependent families may find getting to this school less convenient than in other parts of the district.

This is a neighborhood where most families drive or get dropped off — transit options are limited compared to other parts of Queens. Parents should factor in commute time, especially if relying on public transportation.