J.H.S. 194 William Carr

J.H.S. 194 outperforms the District 25 averages in both ELA (69.8% vs. 64.9%) and math (71.5% vs. 69.6%), placing it above most peers. The school has climbed substantially from 2016 levels — ELA rose from 52% to the high 60s-low 70s, while math surged from the mid-50s to the low 70s — though recent years show some fluctuation, with math peaking at 72.4% in 2024 before settling at 71.5%. Grade-level data shows eighth graders excel in math (79.2%), while sixth graders are still building momentum, particularly in math (57.6%). Science proficiency at 46.4% lags behind the literacy and math scores, which is worth noting for STEM-focused families.

The school environment reflects high trust between staff and leadership — teachers rate their principal trust at 97% and collegial trust at 93%. Parents similarly feel heard, with 94% parent-teacher trust and 95% principal trust. That said, chronic absenteeism is a significant concern at 77.4%, which is unusually high despite a 93.7% attendance rate — suggesting a disconnect in how attendance is being measured or that many students are missing meaningful instructional time. Discipline is a bright spot: the suspension rate sits at 0% with a clear downward trajectory from 11 suspensions in 2022-23 to just 4 in 2023-24. Teacher instruction quality rates at 87%, slightly below the district average of 89.6%, which is one area where the school trails peers.

The student body is majority Asian (47%), with significant Hispanic (27%) and white (23%) populations — a mix that aligns with the neighborhood's diverse character. The diversity index of 64% reflects a heterogeneous middle school population. With 14% of students receiving IEP services and an economic need index of 52, the school serves a moderately high-need population. The community is actively engaged: 651 families responded to the school survey (67% response rate), and PTA fundraising totals over $154,000 — indicating parents who show up and invest.

Whitestone-Beechhurst is a predominantly residential, family-oriented neighborhood in northeastern Queens characterized by single-family homes, tree-lined streets, and a high homeownership rate (69.6%). The median household income of $95,490 and low poverty rate (7.4%) reflect a financially stable community. Safety scores are solid (72 out of 100), and the education orientation score (70) indicates a community that values schools. Transit access is limited (24.9) — this is a car-dependent area — but the neighborhood offers decent parks and is close to shopping along Francis Lewis Boulevard.

Families typically drive or get dropped off; the area is not walkable from major transit hubs and lacks the subway access found in other parts of Queens. If relying on public transit, expect a commute involving buses.