Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School

Test scores show a school working to close gaps: ELA proficiency at 54.2% trails the district average of 62.8%, while math at 39.1% sits well below the 62.8% district average. Science performs better at 47.9%. The school's overall quality rating of 1.87 out of 4 places it below the district average of 2.51. However, there are signs of progress — ELA has climbed from the low 40s in 2016-2019 to reach 54.2% in 2025, and middle school grades show stronger performance, with 6th grade math at 53.4% and ELA at 56.7%. Math has been more volatile, dropping from a high of 47.6% in 2019 to 35.1% in 2024 before recovering somewhat in 2025.

This is where the school shines in the data: teacher-reported instruction quality hits 94% (above the 91.7% district average), teacher-principal trust reaches an exceptional 97%, and teacher collegial trust is nearly unanimous at 99%. Families also report strong trust in teachers (92%) and the principal (91%), though parent satisfaction at 84% runs slightly below the 92.6% district average. The school has zero suspensions — a notable achievement. However, chronic absenteeism is a significant challenge at 72.3%, affecting male and female students nearly equally and cutting across racial groups, suggesting broader attendance barriers beyond school climate.

With 827 students, the school reflects the diversity of Queens: 43% Hispanic, 23% Asian, 13% Black, 13% White, and 4% Native American students, plus 3% multi-racial. The diversity index of 82% is notably high. Twenty percent of students have IEPs, and the economic need index sits at 55.4%, meaning over half of students come from families facing economic challenges. The neighborhood's median household income of $104,416 and low 7.8% poverty rate suggest the school draws from a economically mixed community.

Forest Hills is a family-dense neighborhood (75.1 family density score) with a strong education orientation (85.44), where 60.6% of residents hold BA+ degrees. Median home values reach $608,519, and nearly half of residents own their homes, indicating neighborhood stability. However, safety scores come in at 42.91 — below average — and transit access at 43.3 suggests this is more of a car-dependent or walkable neighborhood than a transit hub. The area offers parks and green space, fitting the family-oriented character.

Located on Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills, the school is walkable for local families but may require driving for those coming from further afield given moderate transit scores