P.S. 026 Rufus King

Test scores at P.S. 026 are below the District 26 average — ELA proficiency of 66.5% versus the district's 75.8%, and math at 69.7% versus 80.2%. The school had a strong run from 2018-2019, hitting nearly 69% ELA and 74% math, but dropped sharply in 2022 (likely COVID-related) and has been climbing back. The 2025 math score (69.7%) is close to recovering to 2019 levels, but ELA at 66.5% still trails the pre-pandemic 68.9%. Grade-level data shows relatively consistent performance across grades 3-5, with math stronger than ELA across the board. The 2.72 overall score is notably below the district average of 3.12.

The survey data reveals a school where relationships are genuinely strong: 96% parent-teacher trust, 94% parent-principal trust, and 88% report strong relationships between staff and families. Teachers give 100% on safety — a rare perfect score. That said, there's a tension: chronic absenteeism sits at a striking 75%, which drags overall attendance down to 92.6% (below the 94.4% district average). Every demographic group has absenteeism above 70%, with Black students highest at 85.4%. This isn't a discipline problem — the school has had zero suspensions for three consecutive years — it's a participation and engagement challenge. Teacher-reported instruction quality (87%) and trust in leadership (82%) are solid but slightly below district averages.

The student body is majority Asian (60%), with significant Hispanic (17%), White (12%), and Black (8%) populations. The diversity index of 66% reflects a heterogeneous community. Sixteen percent of students have IEPs, and economic need sits at 58.2% — notably high for what is otherwise a relatively affluent neighborhood (median income $96K). The neighborhood itself is a family-oriented, homeowner-heavy community with low poverty (8.9%) and high education rates (49% BA+), so there's a bit of a mismatch between neighborhood affluence and school-based economic need.

Fresh Meadows-Utopia is a stable, residential neighborhood in Southeast Queens known for its high homeownership rates and family-friendly feel. The area scores extremely well on health environment (97) and reasonably on safety (66), but transit access is limited (37) — families are largely car-dependent. There's a strong education orientation in the neighborhood (57), which aligns with the PTA's active fundraising ($102 per student, comparable to district average). The community has parks and local shops, and the median home value of $981,000 reflects its desirability for families.

Walkable for nearby residents, but most families drive given the limited transit options in this area of Queens