New York City Academy for Discovery

Test scores here are below the District 27 average — 41.7% ELA versus 56% districtwide, and 49.7% math versus 57% — but the trajectory matters. The school hit its lowest point in 2022 (25% ELA, 33% math) during the pandemic and has since staged a real recovery, gaining roughly 17 points in ELA and 16 in math. Grade 4 shows the strongest math performance at 53.7%, while Grade 3 leads in ELA at 44.1%. The overall quality score of 1.83 out of 4 reflects that the school is still building toward district norms, but the upward momentum is notable.

This is where the school shines in ways numbers don't capture. Parents report 93% satisfaction, and both parent-teacher trust and parent-principal trust hit 97%. Teachers give 93% marks for instruction quality and 97% for feeling safe. There's a 0% suspension rate — maintained for three consecutive years — which is exceptional. But there's a catch: chronic absenteeism sits at a concerning 58.7%, well above district average, meaning nearly 6 in 10 students miss enough school to be flagged. This drags down the attendance rate to 89.8%. The school has built a deeply trusting environment, but getting kids to school consistently remains a challenge.

With 69% Hispanic, 16% Asian, and 8% Black students, this school reflects the surrounding Woodhaven neighborhood, which has a growing immigrant presence and a diversity index of 56%. Nearly a quarter of students (23%) have IEPs, and the economic need index is high at 72.8% — meaning most families qualify for free or reduced lunch. Class sizes average 23.4, matching the district average exactly. This is a working-class community with significant need, and the school population mirrors that reality.

Woodhaven is a solid, middle-income Queens neighborhood where just over half of residents own their homes — uncommon in the city and suggesting stability. The median household income is $83,223 with a relatively low 10% poverty rate. Families with children make up about 21% of households. The area scores average on safety (51st percentile) and family density (57th percentile), with strong marks on health environment (75th). Transit options and education orientation score below average, meaning this isn't a neighborhood where families move specifically for schools — it's a place where people live first and school is part of the community fabric.

Woodhaven is a car-friendly neighborhood with decent walkability. Families typically walk or drive to school; the area is served by bus routes, though subway access requires a short trip to neighboring areas.