Elm Tree Elementary School

Test scores at Elm Tree have followed a volatile trajectory — climbing from 52.5% ELA in 2017, dropping to a low of 28.7% in 2024, then rebounding to 39.7% in 2025. Math followed a similar pattern, now at 41.5% — still notably below the district averages of 51.1% ELA and 54.8% Math. Grade-level data shows Grade 5 outperforming Grade 4 in ELA (44.5% vs 31.1%), suggesting older students may have benefited from intervention efforts. The 1.62 overall score places this school well below the district average of 2.12, indicating academics are a clear area requiring sustained focus.

This is where Elm Tree shines. Parent satisfaction sits at 93%, with near-universal trust in teachers (97%) and the principal (97%). Perhaps most striking: 100% of families report strong relationships with the school — an exceptional figure. Teachers report high instruction quality (92%) and strong collegial trust (87%). The school has logged zero suspensions for three straight years, a remarkable record. However, chronic absenteeism at 76.6% is a serious concern — nearly 8 in 10 students are missing significant school time, which directly impacts learning. The attendance rate of 92.8% masks this underlying pattern.

Elm Tree serves 760 students in a school that is 86% Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of Corona. About 9% are Asian, 3% Black, and 1% each White and Native American. Nearly one in five students (19%) has an IEP, suggesting robust special education services. The economic need index of 90.1% is very high — almost all students qualify for free or reduced lunch. PTA fundraising is minimal at $5 per student (compared to $32 district average), indicating limited discretionary family income rather than disengagement.

Corona is a densely populated, family-heavy Queens neighborhood with a strong immigrant presence. Median household income is $66,388 with a 17.9% poverty rate. The area scores high on family density (90th percentile) but low on education orientation (18th percentile), suggesting this is a working-class community where schools may not be the primary neighborhood focus. Safety scores are modest (33), and environmental health concerns exist — asthma emergency department rates are elevated (54.6 per 1,000). Transit access is moderate (45).

The school draws from its zoned area in Corona. Families walk or take public transit from the surrounding blocks. The neighborhood is densely built with residential buildings and local businesses.