M.S. 158 Marie Curie

M.S. 158 consistently delivers strong academic results, with 76.8% ELA proficiency and 81.8% math proficiency — both slightly above the District 26 averages. The school's trajectory shows meaningful growth from 2016 to 2025, with math climbing from 70.4% to 81.8% and ELA improving from 63.6% to 76.8%. Grade 8 students particularly excel, achieving 88.2% math proficiency and 82.4% ELA — suggesting the school effectively prepares students for high school. The overall 3.17/4 score places it marginally above the district average of 3.12, reflecting solid but not exceptional performance relative to its peers.

The school's survey data tells a compelling story of strong community trust — 96% of parents trust the principal, 92% trust teachers, and 89% report satisfaction with the school overall. Teachers also report high trust in leadership (96%) and collegial bonds (91%). However, the chronic absenteeism rate of 83.7% is notably high, suggesting attendance challenges that don't fully align with the positive survey results. Suspensions have increased from 4 in 2021-22 to 13 in 2023-24, though the 2% rate remains relatively low. Teacher-reported instruction quality (84%) runs slightly below the district average of 89.9%, which may be worth watching.

With 65% Asian students, M.S. 158 reflects the demographics of Bayside, a neighborhood known for its large Chinese and Korean populations alongside long-established Italian and Irish families. The student body is 17% Hispanic, 13% White, 4% Black, and 2% multiracial, creating a diverse but Asian-majority community. The economic need index of 48.3% is moderate — this isn't a high-poverty school, but it's not affluent either. Fifteen percent of students have IEPs, indicating meaningful special education programming. The diversity index of 59% suggests moderate diversity within the school, shaped by both the neighborhood and the screened admissions process.

Bayside is a quintessential middle-class Queens neighborhood — stable, family-oriented, and heavily homeowner-dominated at 64.6%. The median home value of $957,473 and median household income of $104,678 signal economic comfort, while the low poverty rate of 8.7% and high homeownership create neighborhood stability. Education orientation scores an impressive 94.25, meaning families here prioritize schools. Safety scores at 73.56 are moderate-to-good. The main trade-off is transit — with a score of only 21.07, Bayside is very car-dependent, which matters for families relying on public transportation.

Bayside is a car-dependent neighborhood. Most families drive or get dropped off; public transit options are limited compared to other parts of Queens. Families should factor commute time into their decision, especially if relying on buses or trains.