At a Glance
A small, predominantly Black elementary school in Southeast Queens where families feel deeply connected but academic performance lags significantly behind district averages
Families who prioritize a small, safe, relationship-driven school environment over academic performance metrics. This school may suit families with children who struggle in large settings, or those who want strong parent-teacher partnerships. However, parents expecting strong academic preparation should consider the significant gap between this school's scores and district averages, or plan to supplement learning at home.
- Exceptional family trust — 99% parent-teacher trust and 98% parent-principal trust
- Zero suspensions for three consecutive years despite serving a high-need population
- Small school size (271 students) allowing for close relationships
- Strong teacher-reported safety (100%)
- Test scores are well below district averages — math and ELA proficiency are roughly half the district average
- Chronic absenteeism is high at 39.5%, significantly impacting instructional time
- 4th grade performs markedly better than 3rd and 5th grades — parents should ask about curriculum continuity
- Teacher collegial trust is low at 69%, which may affect staff morale and retention
- Limited transit access means most families will need a car
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 27
Among peer schools in District 27, P.S. 045 falls well below the top performers. Success Academy Charter School - South Jamaica scores 96/100, and Peninsula Preparatory Academy Charter scores 94. Even the district's highest-rated zoned schools like P.S. 066 (90/100) and Scholars' Academy (86/100) significantly outperform P.S. 045. This places the school near the bottom of its district in academic metrics, despite its strong climate scores.
Test scores at P.S. 045 are substantially below the district average — ELA proficiency sits at 25.4% versus the district average of 56%, and math at 21.8% versus 57%. The school has shown some improvement since 2016 (when ELA was 21% and math was below 15%), reaching a peak in 2019 before the pandemic caused a dip. The most recent year shows a slight decline from 2023. Notably, 4th grade performs considerably better (41% ELA, 44% math) than 3rd and 5th grades (both around 17% in ELA), suggesting variation in instructional quality or cohort effects. With an overall score of 0.94 out of 4, this school is significantly below the district average of 2.27.
The culture and climate data tells a complex story. Families report exceptionally high trust in teachers (99%) and the principal (98%), with 93% parent satisfaction — nearly matching the district average. Every parent surveyed reported 'strong relationships' with the school. Teachers rate instruction quality at 90%, on par with the district. However, there are cracks in the adult community: teacher-principal trust is 74% and teacher collegial trust is even lower at 69%. The school has maintained zero suspensions for three consecutive years — a real strength. The major concern is chronic absenteeism at 39.5%, nearly 10 points higher than the district average, particularly affecting female students (44%) and Asian students (57%).
P.S. 045 serves a predominantly Black student body (67%), with 18% Hispanic, 9% Asian, and 4% Native American students. This reflects the surrounding Baisley Park neighborhood's demographics. With 68.7% economic need index and 15% IEP students, the school serves a population with significant support needs. The diversity index is 57%, and class sizes average 23.4 students — identical to the district average.
Baisley Park is a Southeast Queens residential neighborhood with moderate safety scores (55th percentile) and relatively low transit accessibility. The community has a homeownership rate of 62.8% and a poverty rate of 11.3%, making it a stable working- to middle-class area. Education orientation is relatively low (36th percentile), meaning fewer families here prioritize school choice over zoned enrollment. There are family-oriented resources in the area, though transit options are limited compared to other parts of Queens.
Many families walk or drive, given the limited transit options in this part of Southeast Queens. The area is car-dependent for most errands.
Academic Performance
ELA Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State ELA exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Math Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State Math exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 72 families responded (19% rate)
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Economic Need & Special Populations
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database (2023-24)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is P.S. 045 Clarence Witherspoon a good school?
- On Motley, P.S. 045 Clarence Witherspoon earns an overall quality score of 24/100 — a blend of New York State ELA and math results, attendance, and the school-climate survey. Its state test results run below the District 27 average.
- What grades does P.S. 045 Clarence Witherspoon serve?
- P.S. 045 Clarence Witherspoon serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into P.S. 045 Clarence Witherspoon?
- P.S. 045 Clarence Witherspoon admits by zone — families living in its attendance zone are generally guaranteed a seat.
- Is P.S. 045 Clarence Witherspoon public, charter, or private?
- P.S. 045 Clarence Witherspoon is a public school in NYC Community School District 27.
- What neighborhood is P.S. 045 Clarence Witherspoon in?
- P.S. 045 Clarence Witherspoon is in Baisley Park, Queens.
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