P.S. 021 Edward Hart

P.S. 021 posts solid test scores that edge above the district average — 68.7% in ELA versus 64.9% district-wide, and 70.4% in math compared to the 69.6% average. The school has clawed back from a dip during the pandemic years (2022 saw math drop to 59.7%) and now shows stronger math performance than before COVID. Fifth graders lead in ELA at 74.7%, while fourth graders hit 72.6% math — both strong marks. The overall quality rating of 2.78 out of 4 sits slightly above the district's 2.69 average. This isn't a gifted standout, but it's consistently performing above what you'd expect from a neighborhood zoned school.

The numbers here tell a split story. On one hand, families adore this school: 95% parent satisfaction, 97% parent-teacher trust, and a stunning 100% of families report strong relationships with teachers. Teacher-reported safety is nearly universal at 99%, and the school has logged zero suspensions for three consecutive years — a rare feat. Attendance is solid at 94.6%. But there's a tension: teacher-principal trust sits at only 54%, well below the district average. Teacher instruction quality scores 85%, slightly under the 89.6% district mark. Chronic absenteeism looks alarming at 83.3% on paper, but the daily attendance rate of 94.6% suggests families are showing up — they just aren't hitting the state's strict attendance thresholds. The discipline record is exemplary, but the teacher-leadership disconnect is something parents should ask about at open houses.

This is a predominantly Asian student body — 61% — with a significant Hispanic population at 31%. The school reflects the neighborhood's demographics: working-to-middle-class families with a 67.7% economic need index, meaning most students qualify for free or reduced lunch. About 13% receive special education services, roughly in line with district norms. The diversity index of 53% is moderate — not the most diverse, but not homogeneous either. PTA fundraising of $19 per student is notably lower than the district average of $50, suggesting fewer families have the bandwidth or inclination to fundraise, despite sky-high satisfaction rates.

Murray Hill-Broadway Flushing is a quiet, residential corner of Queens where single-family homes line tree-lined blocks and homeownership rates hover near 50%. The median home value of $769,871 reflects its appeal to working families who've put down roots. It's not a transit hub — the neighborhood scores just 31.8 on transit access — but it's safe (62.84 safety score) and family-dense (64.37 family density score). There's strong health environment ratings (97.7), though asthma rates are something to monitor in this area. Education orientation scores 61.3, indicating families here value schooling but it's not the hyper-competitive academic enclave you find in nearby Whitestone or Bayside.

This is a walking neighborhood — families mostly arrive on foot or by car, as public transit options are limited. The lack of robust subway access means this school draws almost entirely from its immediate zoned catchment.