Growing Up Green Charter School

The school’s ELA proficiency of 51.3% and math proficiency of 39.2% both fall below District 30 averages (60.7% and 62.2% respectively). Looking at the historical trend, math performance has been volatile — peaking at 56% in 2019 before dropping to 35.4% in 2022, then partially recovering to 45.7% in 2024 before a slight dip to 39.2% in 2025. ELA has been more stable, hovering around 47-51% in recent years. Grade-level data reveals significant variation: younger students (grades 3-5) perform relatively well, with math reaching 59% in grade 3, but middle school math drops sharply — grade 8 math sits at just 11.4%, suggesting a particular struggle with secondary mathematics instruction.

The school’s survey data paints a surprisingly positive picture of the day-to-day experience despite the academic challenges. Parent satisfaction stands at 93%, with nearly universal trust in both teachers (97%) and the principal (95%). Teachers report strong collegial trust (87%) and confidence in leadership (91%), and feel highly supported in instruction quality (86%). Teacher-reported safety is nearly universal at 98%. However, chronic absenteeism is a significant concern at 60.6% — well above typical district averages — which may reflect transportation challenges, health factors, or other barriers in this community. The chronic absenteeism rate varies notably by demographic group, with Black students (44.5%) faring better than Hispanic students (59.1%) and White students (79.3%).

With 754 students across K-8, the school reflects the neighborhood’s diversity: 44% Hispanic, 26% White, 14% Black, 11% Asian, and 5% multi-racial. The economic need index of 60.2% indicates a high-need population, and 20% of students have IEPs. The diversity index of 79% suggests a richly mixed student body. Compared to the neighborhood’s demographics (which show moderate poverty and relatively low homeownership at 16.4%), the school serves families navigating financial constraints while seeking educational options through the charter lottery system.

The Queensbridge-Ravenswood-Dutch Kills area in western Queens is a densely populated urban neighborhood with moderate safety concerns (safety score 36.4) and decent transit access (57.47). Family density scores relatively high at 62.07, meaning families with children are common in the area. The median home value of $841,040 reflects the broader Queens real estate market, while the BA+ education rate of 39.1% suggests a mixed educational attainment profile among residents. The neighborhood has environmental health considerations, with elevated asthma rates and some lead exposure concerns that parents may want to factor in.

Families likely travel to this location from across the district given its charter status and lottery admissions — walkability varies depending on where families live within the broader western Queens area.