Helen M. Marshall School

Test scores at Helen M. Marshall are below the District 24 averages — 38.3% in ELA versus the district average of 51.1%, and 50.7% in Math versus 54.8%. The overall score of 1.78 out of 4 places it below the district average of 2.12. However, the school has shown improvement from the 2024 dip (25.2% ELA, 38.4% Math) to the current 38.3% and 50.7%, suggesting recovery from pandemic-era disruptions. Grade-level data shows Grade 3 outperforming older grades in both subjects, which may indicate recent instructional gains for younger students.

The school's climate data reveals a striking disconnect: parents report near-universal satisfaction (95%) and extremely high trust in teachers (98%) and the principal (97%), and teachers rate instruction quality highly (93%). However, teacher-reported safety is notably low at 79% — well below the district average of 94.9%. Attendance is a concern, with a 92% attendance rate matching the district average but a chronic absenteeism rate of 68.8% indicating many students miss substantial school time. On a positive note, there have been zero suspensions for three consecutive years, suggesting a restorative or supportive approach to discipline.

The student body is predominantly Hispanic (93%), with very small Asian (3%), Black (3%), and White (1%) populations. This mirrors the North Corona neighborhood, which is one of the most family-dense areas in the city (86.21 percentile) but has a low education orientation (20.31). With an economic need index of 89.1% and 19% of students receiving special education services, the school serves a high-need population. The diversity index of 20% reflects the homogeneous Hispanic composition.

North Corona is a densely populated, working-class neighborhood in Queens with a strong family presence but limited educational resources. The median household income of $77,536 and poverty rate of 16.5% reflect a community of modest means. Safety indicators show concerns (crime density in the 27.97 percentile), and the education orientation is low at 20.31, suggesting fewer enrichment opportunities compared to other areas. However, the neighborhood scores high on family density (86.21), indicating many children live nearby. The health environment score of 72.41 is moderate, though asthma rates are elevated.

The school is located on Northern Boulevard, a major thoroughfare. Families in this zoned neighborhood typically walk or use local bus routes. The transit score of 42.15 indicates moderate public transportation access, though not as connected as more central Queens neighborhoods.