P.S. 049 Dorothy Bonawit Kole

Test scores here run consistently above the district average — 62.1% ELA versus 51% district-wide and 65.6% math versus 55% district-wide — placing this school well above most peers in Queens District 24. The scores have fluctuated over the years, with math climbing steadily to a recent 67.6% and ELA showing more volatility, dropping to 56.9% in 2024 before recovering to 62.1% in 2025. Middle school grades (especially 7th grade math at 74.6%) drive the strongest performance, while elementary grades are solid but less standout. The overall 2.55 score on the 4-point scale reflects above-average performance across the board.

The survey data is extraordinary — 94% parent satisfaction, 98% parent-teacher trust, and 97% parent-principal trust create a picture of a school where families feel genuinely partnered with staff. Teachers are equally positive, with 97% rating instruction quality highly and 95% reporting they feel safe at work. Attendance sits at 94.5%, above the district average, though the chronic absenteeism rate of 85% is notably high — this suggests that while most students show up regularly, a meaningful subset struggle with consistent attendance. The discipline record is spotless: zero suspensions for three consecutive years, a rare feat in any district. The day-to-day feel appears collaborative and trusting, with strong relationships between families, teachers, and leadership.

The student body is majority white (48%) with significant Hispanic enrollment (28%) and Asian representation (21%), reflecting Middle Village's demographics as a predominantly white, working-to-middle-class neighborhood. The diversity index of 66% is moderate, and the economic need index of 41.1% is below the citywide average, suggesting most families here are financially stable. With 17% of students receiving special education services, the school serves a typical range of learner needs within a zoned enrollment model.

Middle Village is a quintessentially residential Queens neighborhood — tree-lined blocks, single-family homes, and a strong sense of community stability. With a median home value of $873,000 and a homeownership rate of 57%, it's a financially comfortable area where families tend to put down roots. The poverty rate is low at 7.2%, and the safety score of 67 is decent for Queens. Transit options are more limited (44% score) compared to Manhattan or western Queens, so many families drive or walk. The neighborhood has parks, local shops, and a family-friendly feel, though it's not a walkable urban core.

Middle Village is car-dependent by New York standards. Most families drive or get dropped off; the school is not easily accessible by subway, though several bus routes serve the area. Walking is common for families who live within the zone.