Merrick Academy - Queens Public Charter School

Test scores at Merrick Academy have zigzagged over the past decade — ELA climbed from 33.6% in 2016 to a pre-pandemic peak of 49.6% in 2019, then dipped during COVID before surging to 61.9% in 2025. Math has been even stronger, reaching 54.5% this year. Both subjects now sit above the District 29 averages (56.9% ELA, 53.7% math). The upper elementary grades are particularly strong — fifth graders posted 64.9% ELA and 67.6% math proficiency. Teachers report instruction quality at 79.6%, which falls below the district average of 88.4%, suggesting some room for pedagogical improvement.

Families feel good about this school — parent satisfaction sits at 89%, and trust in both teachers (92%) and the principal (93%) runs high. Attendance overall is solid at 92.5%, above the district average. But here's the catch: chronic absenteeism is a staggering 73.5%, meaning nearly three-quarters of students missed significant school time. This affects classroom culture and peer connections. The family survey response rate was very low (7%), which means the satisfaction numbers reflect a subset of engaged parents. Teacher-reported instruction quality lags behind district averages, which is worth noting if your child thrives on high-level classroom instruction.

This is a nearly all-Black school in a neighborhood that's also predominantly Black. Enrollment is 538 students across grades K-7, with 87% Black, 8% Hispanic, and small populations of Asian, White, Multi-Racial, and Native American students. The diversity index is low at 31%, reflecting the demographic homogeneity. About 17% of students have IEPs, and the economic need index sits at 59.7%, meaning many families face financial challenges despite the neighborhood's relatively high median income ($106,251).

Laurelton is a quiet, residential neighborhood in southeastern Queens with a strong sense of community — its stability score is a near-perfect 98. Median home values are around $599,000 and homeownership rates top 79%. It's very family-oriented, though the poverty rate is low at 4.9%. Safety scores are moderate (64), but transit options are limited (transit score of 22 means most families need a car). There are parks and green spaces, and the area has historically been a hub for Black middle-class families.

Most families drive or get dropped off — the neighborhood is car-dependent with minimal subway access. Walking is safe but not convenient for commuting from outside Laurelton.