I.S. 141 The Steinway

Test scores show a school that excels in reading but struggles with math. ELA proficiency at 66.5% sits meaningfully above the district average of 60.7%, while math at 55.5% falls below the district's 62.2%. Looking at the grade-level breakdown, Grade 8 students demonstrate strong reading skills (70% proficiency) but lag significantly in math (44.2%), suggesting the curriculum may not be building algebra readiness effectively. Grade 7 is the strongest performing grade in both subjects (65.7% ELA, 66.8% math). The historical trend shows math has been volatile — peaking at 60.6% in 2018, dropping to 49.8% in 2022, recovering to 62.3% in 2023, then declining again to 55.5% in 2025 — indicating inconsistent math instruction or curriculum challenges.

This is where I.S. 141 truly shines. Parent satisfaction sits at 92%, with nearly universal trust in the principal (96%) and teachers (94%). Teachers report exceptional collegial trust and belief in instruction quality (both 98%), suggesting a collaborative, well-functioning staff. Discipline is nearly nonexistent — just 2 suspensions in 2023-24, down from 4 the prior year, reflecting a restorative or supportive approach. However, chronic absenteeism at 75.4% is strikingly high (the district average is roughly comparable, but this figure suggests significant attendance challenges). The school has maintained a 92.4% attendance rate despite this, meaning many students are showing up but not consistently — a pattern worth investigating.

The student body demographics (43% white, 34% Hispanic, 14% Asian, 5% Black) mirror the neighborhood's relatively homogeneous character. With a diversity index of 72% and 60.9% economic need index, this is a middle-class school with a meaningful portion of higher-need students (16% IEP). The PTA raised $32,474.83 ($29 per student) in 2024-25 — well below the district average of $78.25 per student, suggesting less fundraising capacity or different parent priorities. Program richness is excellent (100/100) with 27 extracurricular offerings, meaning the school invests in enrichment rather than relying on parent dollars.

Astoria-Ditmars is a stable, family-oriented neighborhood in northwestern Queens with a strong education orientation (73.56 score). Median household income of $93,808 and homeownership at 29.8% indicate a working-to-middle-class community with roots. Safety scores are moderate (62.07), and the area has access to parks and the Astoria Park pool complex. Transit access (28.74) is below average, reflecting the area's residential character — families should expect car dependency or bus reliance depending on where they live in the zone.

The school sits in a residential area near Ditmars Boulevard; families typically walk, drive, or use local buses. The 31st Street and Ditmars Blvd commercial corridors are nearby but require short trips.