M.S. 137 America's School of Heroes

M.S. 137's ELA proficiency of 56.5% sits roughly at the district average, while math at 52.9% runs slightly below the Queens district average of 57.3%. The overall score of 2.19 out of 4 is marginally below the district average of 2.27. However, the school has demonstrated meaningful growth from its 2016 baseline — ELA improved from 41% to current levels, and math nearly doubled from 38.9% to over 50%. Grade 7 stands out with particularly strong math performance at 65.6%, while Grade 8 math lags at 43.2%. The school offers accelerated and honors classes alongside ELL support, giving advanced learners and English language learners pathways to challenge.

This is a school where families feel heard and valued — parent satisfaction hits an impressive 96%, and trust in both teachers and the principal reaches the same level. Teachers report 90% instruction quality and 85% trust in leadership, both strong indicators of a functional professional environment. The discipline data shows a school working through challenges: suspensions numbered 32 in 2023-24, down from 38 the prior year but notably higher than pre-pandemic levels. The suspension rate of 2% exceeds the district average of 0.5%, something parents should factor in. Survey response rates are healthy with 755 family responses, suggesting genuine community engagement.

With 1,774 students, M.S. 137 is a sizable middle school reflecting the neighborhood's demographics: roughly equal parts Asian (48%) and Hispanic (43%) students, with small Black (4%) and White (4%) populations. The diversity index of 58% indicates moderate diversity, while the economic need index of 68.4% shows a majority of students come from families facing financial challenges. About 17% of students have IEPs, and the school provides ELL support for multilingual learners. This is a working-class community with strong education orientation — the neighborhood's education score of 91.95 reflects families who prioritize school despite economic hurdles.

Ozone Park is a working-class, family-oriented neighborhood in central Queens with a strong sense of community. The median home value of $696,423 and homeownership rate of 58% suggest a stable residential base, while the relatively low poverty rate of 9.4% contrasts with the school's high economic need index. The neighborhood scores very high on education orientation (91.95) and health environment (86.97), but only moderate on safety (58.62) and transit (52.11). Families should know the area has modest crime density and collision rates, though lead exposure and asthma rates run somewhat elevated.

Families in the zoned area typically walk or drive their children to school. The neighborhood has moderate transit access, so families relying on public transportation should check routes carefully.