At a Glance
A community-rooted zoned school with exceptional family trust and near-zero discipline, where academics sit squarely at district averages
Best suited for
Families who live within P.S. 046's zone and value a tight-knit, trusting school community over top-tier test scores. This is a strong fit for parents who prioritize teacher-principal trust, safety, and a discipline-free environment — and who are comfortable with district-average academics. Families expecting exceptional academic performance may want to explore district peers or consider private options, while those seeking a stable, supportive neighborhood school will find a good match here.
Overall Rating
NY State test proficiency
What stands out
- Near-universal trust: 98% parent-teacher trust and 99% teacher-principal trust are extraordinary
- Zero suspensions for three consecutive years — a discipline record most schools cannot match
- Strong teacher-reported safety (96%) and instruction quality (97%)
- Fifth grade outperforms other grades, suggesting strong upper-elementary programming
- Active PTA raising $135 per student with solid parent participation
Things to consider
- ELA proficiency runs slightly below the district average — families prioritizing reading rigor may want to supplement
- The neighborhood has limited transit options — this is very much a car-dependent area
- One-third of families responded to the survey — while the responses are positive, broader engagement could be stronger
- IEP population at 26% is notable — parents of students with special needs should confirm appropriate services are in place
- Class sizes average 25.5, matching the district average — nothing exceptional either way
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 26
Among District 26 peer schools — which include highly-rated options like P.S. 098 The Douglaston School (94/100), P.S. 094 (94/100), and P.S. 203 Oakland Gardens (92/100) — P.S. 046 Alley Pond occupies a middle position. It's not among the district's highest-performing schools, but it delivers reliable, average results with an exceptionally positive school culture. For zoned families, the trade-off is clear: modest academic performance compared to some nearby options, but a nurturing environment with tremendous trust between families and staff.
Academics
Test scores here hover right around District 26 averages: ELA proficiency of 71.7% falls slightly below the district's 75.8%, while math at 80.3% essentially matches the district average of 80.2%. The overall quality score of 3.04 out of 4 is marginally below the district average of 3.12. Looking at the grade-level breakdown, fifth graders perform strongest (77.9% ELA, 83.3% math), while fourth graders show slightly more room to grow, particularly in math at 77.6%. The historical trend shows expected fluctuation — a dip in 2024 (60% ELA) followed by recovery in 2025 (71.7% ELA) — suggesting the school maintains a consistent performance rather than dramatic improvement or decline.
Culture
This is where P.S. 046 truly shines. Survey results are exceptional across the board: 92% parent satisfaction, 98% parent-teacher trust, and 98% parent-principal trust. Teachers report 99% trust in leadership and 97% instruction quality, with 96% feeling safe in the building. The school has maintained zero suspensions for three consecutive years — a remarkable record that speaks to a restorative or preventative approach to discipline. Family engagement shows in the survey response rate of 167 families, though this represents about a third of eligible households. The attendance rate of 94.2% tracks with the district average, suggesting consistent daily presence.
Community
The student body is majority Asian (64%), with Hispanic students at 15%, white students at 11%, Black students at 5%, and multi-racial students at 3%. About a quarter of students (26%) have IEPs, which is notable and suggests strong special education services. The economic need index of 40.9% indicates a mixed-income population, reflecting the neighborhood's comfortable but not exclusively wealthy character. With a diversity index of 64%, the school offers meaningful exposure to different backgrounds within a community that remains relatively homogeneous in some respects.
Neighborhood
Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills is a stable, residential neighborhood in Queens with single-family homes, good schools, and a suburban feel. The area scores high on safety (73/100) and stability (97/100), with a strong homeownership rate of 72.5% and median household income around $104,000. Families with children make up about a quarter of households. The neighborhood is less transit-rich (26/100), so most families drive or walk to school. There's easy access to parks and the neighborhood has a reputation for being child-friendly, though it's not particularly walkable to mass transit.
A car-dependent neighborhood — families typically drive, though some walk from nearby blocks. Not ideal for families relying on public transit.
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
Historical Trends
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 167 families responded (33% rate)
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
PTA Fundraising
Source: DOE Local Law 171 disclosure
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database (2023-24)
Economic Need & Special Populations
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Discipline
One bad year doesn’t tell you much. Three years of state-verified suspension data shows whether things are getting better or worse.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is P.S. 046 Alley Pond a good school?
- On Motley, P.S. 046 Alley Pond earns an overall quality score of 76/100 — a blend of New York State ELA and math results, attendance, and the school-climate survey. Its state test results run in line with the District 26 average.
- What grades does P.S. 046 Alley Pond serve?
- P.S. 046 Alley Pond serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into P.S. 046 Alley Pond?
- P.S. 046 Alley Pond admits by zone — families living in its attendance zone are generally guaranteed a seat.
- Is P.S. 046 Alley Pond public, charter, or private?
- P.S. 046 Alley Pond is a public school in NYC Community School District 26.
- What neighborhood is P.S. 046 Alley Pond in?
- P.S. 046 Alley Pond is in Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills, Queens.