At a Glance
A high-performing middle school in a working-class neighborhood where families overwhelmingly trust the staff — but chronic absenteeism is a real concern
Families who value a tight-knit school community with highly trusted leadership and strong arts/athletics programs; parents who can be involved in getting kids to school regularly, since chronic absenteeism suggests the school needs extra family support to ensure attendance; families looking for a neighborhood school without selective admissions who want solid academic growth in math and ELA.
- Massive academic turnaround — math proficiency grew from 18% to 68% in nine years
- Exceptional family trust — 99% of parents trust the principal and teachers
- Very low suspension rate (1%) with only 4 suspensions last year
- Rich programming in arts, music, sports, and academic clubs — 90/100 program richness score
- Grade 8 math at 73% proficiency — strongest performance in any grade/subject
- Chronic absenteeism at 73% is among the highest in the district — this directly affects classroom momentum and learning
- Science proficiency at 40% lags significantly behind ELA and math
- Grade 7 ELA at 54% is a relative weakness compared to other grades
- PTA fundraising is minimal at $20 per student, below the district average of $121
- Teacher survey response rate was very low (29 responses), which may affect reliability of teacher sentiment data
- Some families may find the area's limited transit access challenging
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 27
Hawtree Creek ranks among the stronger middle schools in District 27, outperforming district averages in both academics and family satisfaction. Among peer schools in the area, it sits solidly in the middle tier — below top performers like Success Academy but above several zoned elementary schools. The school's test scores and survey results outpace the district average, though chronic absenteeism is a district-wide challenge that hits this school hard.
Test scores at Hawtree Creek have grown dramatically since 2016 — ELA climbed from 32% to 61% and math surged from 18% to 68%, placing the school above the district average in both subjects. Grade 8 math is particularly strong at 73%, though Grade 7 ELA lags at 54%. Science proficiency at 40% is a clear area for growth. The overall score of 2.57/4 beats the district average of 2.27, and recent test scores show the school has stabilized after a small dip in 2024.
Survey data is remarkably strong — 98% of families report satisfaction, and nearly all parents trust teachers and the principal (99%). Teachers also report high trust in leadership (96%) and say instruction quality is strong at 94%. The school had only 4 suspensions last year, down from 9 the prior year, suggesting effective behavior management. However, there's a striking disconnect: despite the positive survey results, 72.7% of students are chronically absent — one of the highest rates in the district. The day-to-day feel appears warm and trusting, but attendance remains a structural challenge.
The school reflects its neighborhood's diversity: 27% Black, 26% Asian, 23% Hispanic, and 18% Native American students, with a diversity index of 85%. One in five students has an IEP, and the school serves English Language Learners with dedicated support. The economic need index of 61% is above average, indicating significant student hardship. South Ozone Park itself is a working-class community with 69% homeownership and a median income around $98K — families here are stable but not affluent, and the school serves as a neighborhood anchor.
South Ozone Park is a residential neighborhood of primarily single-family homes with a strong sense of community stability — 69% homeownership and a family density score of 72. The area scores well on health environment (87) but only moderately on safety (60) and has limited transit options (38). There are local parks and shops within reach, and the neighborhood's stability makes it attractive for families with children.
Most families commute by car or bus; the area has moderate walkability but limited subway access. Rockaway Boulevard provides good bus connections.
Academic Performance
ELA Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State ELA exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Math Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State Math exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Science Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State Science exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 360 families responded (92% rate)
Programs & Activities
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
PTA Fundraising
Source: DOE Local Law 171 disclosure
Economic Need & Special Populations
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database (2023-24)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Hawtree Creek Middle School a good school?
- On Motley, Hawtree Creek Middle School earns an overall quality score of 64/100 — a blend of New York State ELA and math results, attendance, and the school-climate survey. Its state test results run above the District 27 average.
- What grades does Hawtree Creek Middle School serve?
- Hawtree Creek Middle School serves grades 6 to 8.
- How do students get into Hawtree Creek Middle School?
- Hawtree Creek Middle School admits by application through a random lottery, with no academic screen.
- Is Hawtree Creek Middle School public, charter, or private?
- Hawtree Creek Middle School is a public school in NYC Community School District 27.
- What neighborhood is Hawtree Creek Middle School in?
- Hawtree Creek Middle School is in South Ozone Park, Queens.
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