P.S. 056 Harry Eichler

P.S. 056 has crossed into above-average territory with 59% ELA proficiency and 64.4% math proficiency — both exceeding District 27 averages. The school shows a clear upward trajectory, recovering from a 2022 dip (46.4% ELA) to hit its highest scores on record in 2025. Performance is consistent across grades 3-5, with math scores particularly strong at 64-65% across all tested grades. However, there's a notable gap between outcomes and perception: while test scores have improved, only 82% of teachers rate instruction quality as good — below the district average of 91%. This suggests the school may be doing something right on assessments while teachers feel there's room for improvement in day-to-day instruction.

The culture here is defined by extraordinary trust and safety. Parents rate the school at 97% for teacher trust and 98% for principal trust — numbers you rarely see. Teachers are equally bullish: 100% feel safe, 95% trust their colleagues and the principal. Yet there's a tension: chronic absenteeism sits at a concerning 69.3%, far above typical rates. This suggests the strong survey numbers reflect the families who are engaged, while a significant portion of students are missing substantial school time. The discipline record is pristine — zero suspensions for three consecutive years — which parents typically appreciate. The gap between high trust ratings and high chronic absence is worth watching.

With 317 students, this is a small school with a predominantly Hispanic population (54%), reflecting the broader Richmond Hill community. Asian students make up 23%, White students 13%, with smaller Black (4%) and Native American (4%) populations. The diversity index of 71% is solid, and the economic need index of 70.2% indicates a substantial number of students facing socioeconomic challenges. Twenty percent of students have IEPs. PTA fundraising of just $15 per student — less than one-eighth the district average — suggests fewer families have the capacity or inclination to contribute financially, though 220 families (63% response rate) did participate in the survey, indicating engaged parents.

Richmond Hill is a family-oriented Queens neighborhood with a 47% homeownership rate and median home values over $785,000 — indicating stability and investment. The area scores moderately on family density (64th percentile) and has strong health environment scores (76th percentile), though safety scores are average (51st percentile). The neighborhood's 28% BA+ education rate suggests a working-to-middle-class community. Families in the area have access to local parks and the area is served by transit lines, though it's not among the most connected in the city.

Richmond Hill is a walkable neighborhood where many families live within short distance of the school. The area's tree-lined streets and relatively low traffic on side streets make it manageable for older elementary students to walk with supervision.