I.S. 73 - The Frank Sansivieri Intermediate School

I.S. 73 delivers solid academic performance that edges past district averages—56.7% ELA proficiency versus the district's 51.1% and 62.3% math versus 54.8%—placing it among the stronger performers in District 24. Math has shown a striking recovery, jumping from 41.7% in 2022 to 62.3% in 2025, while ELA has remained steady in the 55-57% range. Grade 7 leads the pack at 59.3% ELA and 65.3% math, suggesting the middle grades are hitting their stride. Science proficiency at 44.9% is a notable gap compared to math and ELA, which is something parents focused on STEM pathways should factor in.

The survey numbers paint a remarkably unified school community—97% of parents rate instruction quality as high, and trust metrics are nearly perfect (96% parent-teacher trust, 97% parent-principal trust). Teachers similarly report strong collegial trust (93%) and confidence in leadership (92%). The discipline picture is improving: suspensions dropped from 16 in 2022-23 to just 9 in 2023-24, though the 1% suspension rate still runs higher than the district average of 0.175%. The paradox here is stark: families love the school, but 77% of students are chronically absent—a disconnect that suggests the screened admissions process may be pulling students from broader geographic areas with transportation or scheduling challenges rather than a fundamental school climate issue.

With 1,950 students across grades 6-8, I.S. 73 is a large middle school where 64% of students are Hispanic, 24% Asian, and 11% White—with notably 0% Black enrollment. The economic need index sits at 68.8%, meaning a majority of families qualify for free or reduced lunch. Twenty percent of students have IEPs, and the school offers ELL support alongside a rich array of programs. The diversity index of 51% reflects a predominantly Hispanic student body, though the complete absence of Black students is a notable gap in representation that mirrors patterns seen in some neighboring districts. PTA fundraising is minimal at $2 per student—far below the $32 district average—suggesting either lower parent engagement in fundraising or different giving cultures here.

Maspeth is a working-to-middle-class Queens neighborhood with 52% homeownership and a median home value of $783,745—relatively affordable for NYC. The area scores 67.82 for safety (above average), though transit access is weaker (36.4) and family density is moderate (39.85). With only 11.3% poverty and 23.2% households with children, it's a neighborhood of older residents and homeowners rather than a young family epicenter. The health environment score of 70.88 is solid, though asthma rates (54.6 per 1000) and elevated lead rates (12.6%) are worth noting for families with health sensitivities.

Maspeth is generally walkable with decent street infrastructure, though the lower transit score (36.4) means many families rely on cars or buses—the 77th percentile collision rate suggests drivers should be cautious around school dismissal times