I.S. 145 Joseph Pulitzer

Test scores at I.S. 145 sit below the District 30 average — 46% ELA proficiency versus 61% district-wide, and 53% math versus 62% district-wide. However, the eight-year trend tells a story of real progress: math proficiency has nearly doubled from 30% in 2016 to 53% in 2025, while ELA climbed from 31% to 46%. The 2024-25 data shows a slight ELA dip (from 45% to 46%) alongside math gains (49% to 53%). Grade-level breakdown reveals the strongest performance in eighth grade, where 52% ELA and 59% math proficiency suggest students are building skills as they move through the school — a positive indicator of instruction effectiveness over time.

The school climate data presents a paradox: families love the school (95% satisfaction, 96% parent-teacher trust), but chronic absenteeism is alarmingly high at 82%. Nearly one in five students is chronically absent, with Asian students showing the highest attendance (88%) and Hispanic students the lowest (82%). This disconnect between reported satisfaction and attendance patterns warrants attention — families may feel positive about the school culture but face barriers to getting kids there consistently. On the positive side, suspension rates remain low (1%), and teachers report strong collegial trust (92%) and high instruction quality (92%). However, teacher-principal trust sits at only 77%, notably lower than the parent trust figures, suggesting some tension in the leadership relationship.

This is a high-need, high-diversity school community: 92% Hispanic students, 83% economic need index, and 17% IEP students. The neighborhood around Jackson Heights is similarly working-class and family-dense, with a 32% college-educated population and median household income of $73K. The school reflects its community in demographics, though the diversity index is low at 21% — meaning there's less racial/ethnic diversity within the school than you'd find in District 30 overall. The ELL Support program is the only listed specialized support, indicating a significant population of English Language Learners.

Jackson Heights is one of Queens' most family-dense neighborhoods (91st percentile), with strong public transit access (52nd percentile) and a community-oriented feel. The area offers diverse food scenes, local parks, and cultural institutions that many families value. However, safety scores are lower (25th percentile), and environmental health indicators show concerns: elevated lead rates and asthma rates that exceed city averages. The neighborhood has a moderate education orientation (54th percentile) and moderate stability (47th percentile), reflecting a transient area with both long-term residents and recent arrivals.

Jackson Heights is highly walkable with excellent subway access (7, E, F, R trains nearby). Many families walk or take public transit; parking can be challenging during school hours.