P.S. 018 Winchester

Test scores at P.S. 018 Winchester sit modestly below the District 26 average — 72.3% ELA versus 75.8% districtwide, and 75% Math versus 80.2% — placing it in the middle tier of a high-performing district. The school has shown an uneven recovery pattern post-pandemic: scores dipped to 63.2% ELA in 2022, climbed to 72.3% in 2025, while Math swung between 69.2% and 78.9% before settling at 75%. Grade-level data reveals a strong Grade 5 cohort performing at 78.8% in both subjects, while Grade 3 students lag at 66.7% ELA — suggesting the upper grades have rebounded more fully than younger students. The overall quality score of 2.95/4 trails the district average of 3.12, but the recent upward trend in both subjects signals potential for continued improvement.

The culture at P.S. 018 Winchester tells a more positive story than the test scores suggest. Parent satisfaction matches the district at 92%, but parent trust in both teachers and the principal hits an exceptional 97% — among the highest in the area. Teachers report 91% instruction quality, though their trust in leadership drops to 80%, and teacher-reported safety sits at 81% (below the district's 98% average). The school has maintained a zero suspension rate for three straight years, a rare achievement in any district. Chronic absenteeism is notably high at 83%, which likely contributes to the attendance rate of 93.8% trailing the district average of 94.4%. Family survey response was strong (336 responses), while teacher responses were limited (37), which may explain some of the gap in teacher trust data.

With 419 students across grades PK-5, P.S. 018 Winchester is a mid-sized elementary school that reflects its Bellerose neighborhood: 57% Asian, 18% Hispanic, 11% Black, and 11% White, yielding a diversity index of 69%. The economic need index of 49.3% suggests a mix of affluent and moderate-income families, while 17% of students have IEPs. The PTA raised $170 per student ($71,240 total) in 2024-25, slightly below the district average of $96 per student but still indicating active family involvement. Bellerose itself is a family-dense area with 22.7% households with children, a homeownership rate of 69.9%, and high stability (96.55 percentile), making this a neighborhood where families put down roots.

Bellerose is a quiet, residential Queens neighborhood known for its stability, homeownership, and family-oriented character — median home values sit at $637K with a median household income over $103K. The area scores very high on education orientation (81.23 percentile) and stability (96.55), meaning families here prioritize schooling and stay long-term. Safety scores a solid 75.1, though transit access is limited (21.46 percentile — this is a car-dependent area). The neighborhood has parks and family resources, but parents should expect driving or longer bus rides rather than subway access. The low poverty rate (8.3%) and high BA+ education rate (38.3%) among residents shape the school's socioeconomic landscape.

Walkable within Bellerose for families who live nearby, but the neighborhood's low transit score (21.46) means most families drive or carpool — this is not a walkable-to-subway location