J.H.S. 185 Edward Bleeker

Edward Bleeker outperforms District 25 averages across the board — ELA proficiency of 69.1% versus the district's 64.9%, and math at 78.7% versus the district's 69.6%. The math performance is especially notable: what was 66.6% in 2016 has climbed to 78.7% in 2025, a consistent upward trajectory. Grade-level data shows 7th and 8th graders excelling in both subjects (71.2% ELA, 80%+ math), while 6th graders start slightly lower but still above district averages. Science proficiency sits at 66.4%, and the overall quality score of 2.96/4 exceeds the district average of 2.69.

The survey data tells a clear story: families trust this school. Parent satisfaction hits 94%, parent-teacher trust reaches 96%, and parent-principal trust is even higher at 97%. Teachers report 92% believe in the quality of instruction, and 86% trust leadership — strong numbers for a middle school. The discipline record is excellent: just 6 suspensions in 2023-24, down from 12 the prior year, with a 0% suspension rate. With a 95.4% attendance rate, students are showing up and staying engaged.

The student body is predominantly Asian (59%), with significant Hispanic representation (29%) and small Black (2%) and White (10%) populations. The diversity index of 56% reflects a mix of backgrounds within the predominantly Asian community. With 16% of students having IEPs and an economic need index of 62.8%, the school serves a range of learners. The neighborhood around the school — Murray Hill in Flushing — is a middle-class area with a 49.9% homeownership rate and median home values over $769,000, though 15.9% of households live below the poverty line.

Murray Hill in Flushing offers a suburban-feel Queens neighborhood with single-family homes, good schools, and family-oriented amenities. Safety scores are moderate (62.84 percentile), with relatively low crime density. The area has limited transit access (31.8 percentile) — this is very much a car-dependent pocket of Queens. Family density is high (64.37 percentile), and the education orientation score of 61.3 reflects the area's concentration of families with school-age children. Parks and green space are available, and the health environment scores well.

Murray Hill is a car-dependent neighborhood. Most families drive or get dropped off; the area lacks easy subway access, so commute times can be longer for those relying on public transit.