I.S. 059 Springfield Gardens

Test scores sit below the District 29 average — 48.8% in ELA versus 56.9% districtwide, and 40.7% in Math versus 53.7% districtwide — but the long-term trend shows real momentum. Math has climbed dramatically from the high teens in 2016 to above 40% now, nearly tripling over eight years. The pattern by grade is notable: Grade 6 lags significantly (38.2% ELA, 17.1% Math), while Grades 7 and 8 perform near the 50% mark, suggesting the school may be building skills progressively but starting middle school with substantial gaps. Science proficiency at 46.7% falls between the two core subjects.

Survey data reveals a school with strong relational foundations but concerning structural challenges. Teachers report 91% instruction quality and 88% trust in leadership — numbers that suggest the adults in the building are aligned and capable. Families echo this: 92% parent-teacher trust and 91% principal trust indicate families feel heard and respected. However, chronic absenteeism at 57.4% is exceptionally high — nearly 6 in 10 students miss enough school to be flagged — and the suspension rate of 9% is nearly ten times the district average of 0.94%, with suspensions climbing from 20-22 annually to 36 last year. The day-to-day feel seems to be one of caring relationships but struggling with attendance consistency and behavioral escalation.

The student body is 85% Black, 10% Hispanic, 2% Asian, and 1% White — a predominantly Black enrollment that mirrors the St. Albans neighborhood's demographics. With 66% economic need and 19% IEP students, the population reflects a working- and middle-class community. The diversity index of 32% is low, meaning the school is not particularly diverse internally — this is a school serving a specific community rather than drawing from across the city.

St. Albans is a predominantly Black, stable, homeowner-heavy neighborhood in central Queens. Median home values approach $600,000 and homeownership rates top 74%, making it one of the more economically solid outer-Queens communities. Safety scores are moderate (65/100) and the area scores very high on stability (97/100), meaning neighbors tend to stay put and the community feels established. Transit access is weaker (39/100) — families are likely driving or relying on buses rather than subways. There's relatively little family-oriented infrastructure density compared to more kid-heavy neighborhoods.

This is a car-oriented neighborhood — the low transit score (38.7) reflects limited subway access, so most families likely drive or use local buses. The area is residential and walkable for short trips, but getting to and from school typically involves a vehicle or longer bus rides.