Jean Nuzzi Intermediate School

Test scores at Jean Nuzzi sit below the District 29 average — ELA proficiency is 49.7% versus the district average of 56.9%, and math is 49% versus 53.7%. However, the school has made meaningful progress: ELA has climbed from 34.6% in 2016 to just under 50% today, and math nearly doubled from 31% to 49% over the same period. Grade 8 performs strongest (57.4% ELA), suggesting the upper grades are preparing students well for high school. The overall quality score of 1.97/4 trails the district average of 2.21, indicating room to grow but also real momentum.

The school climate tells a nuanced story. Teacher instruction quality is exceptionally high at 96% (well above the 88% district average), and trust between teachers and leadership is strong at 93%. Parents report similarly solid trust in teachers (89%) and the principal (90%), with 88% satisfaction overall. Attendance sits at 90.8%, matching the district average, but chronic absenteeism is notably high at 66.3% — a sign that consistent daily attendance remains a challenge. Discipline data shows 16 suspensions in 2023-24, down from 21 the prior year, suggesting a positive trend. The day-to-day feel appears collegial and supportive among staff, with families generally feeling heard.

The school is majority Asian (36%) and Black (34%), with significant Hispanic representation (19%) and a notably high Native American population (8% compared to most city schools). The economic need index of 63.3% indicates a substantial number of students come from higher-need households. At 1,003 students, the enrollment is mid-sized for a middle school, with class sizes averaging 23.1 — identical to the district average. The diversity index of 78% reflects a truly multicultural student body.

Queens Village is a stable, residential neighborhood in central Queens characterized by single-family homes and a high homeownership rate of 72.7%. The median household income of $98,047 is above the city average, and poverty is low at 8.8%. Families describe it as a tight-knit area with a suburban feel — kids walk to school, neighbors know each other, and there's a strong sense of permanence (stability score: 97.7). Transit options are limited (transit score: 33.3), so most families drive or walk. Safety scores are moderate (63.6), and the area scores well on health environment (83.1%).

Many families walk or drive — the neighborhood is car-friendly with limited public transit options, so commute times vary significantly by where families live in the zone.