P.S. 071 Forest

Test scores at P.S. 071 Forest have rebounded strongly from pandemic lows, with ELA proficiency now at 55.2% — actually exceeding the district average of 51.1% — and math at 51%, slightly below the district's 54.8%. Grade 4 stands out with 69.7% ELA proficiency, while Grade 5 lags behind at 43.9% in ELA. The overall 2.12 rating matches the district average exactly, placing this school squarely in the middle of District 24 performance. What's notable is the upward trajectory: from 2022's pandemic-era low of 34.6% ELA and 26.3% math, the school has added over 20 percentage points in both subjects.

The survey data tells a remarkable story: 100% of parents report strong relationships with teachers, 100% rate instruction quality highly, and 99% of teachers report feeling safe at school. Trust metrics are uniformly excellent — 95% parent-teacher trust, 95% parent-principal trust, and 94% teacher-principal trust. There have been zero suspensions over the past three years, suggesting a restorative or relationship-based approach to discipline. The school has clearly built a tight-knit community where families and staff feel connected.

With 572 students, P.S. 071 Forest is a medium-sized elementary school that reflects its neighborhood's demographics: 56% Hispanic, 32% white, 6% Asian, and small populations of Black and multi-racial students. The diversity index of 59% indicates moderate diversity. The economic need index of 66.5% is above average, meaning most families qualify for free or reduced lunch. About 15% of students have IEPs, and PTA fundraising of $76 per student exceeds the district average of $32, suggesting active parent involvement.

Ridgewood is a solid working-class Queens neighborhood with a homeownership rate of 20.4% and median household income of $83,559. The area scores well on transit (73rd percentile) making it commutable, though the safety score of 40 is below average with elevated crime density and collision rates. The family density score of 61 indicates this is a child-friendly area, and the asthma ED rate of 54.6 per 1,000 is moderately high — worth noting for families with respiratory concerns. There's a lead elevated rate of 13.7% in older housing stock.

Ridgewood is relatively walkable with good transit options, though families from farther-flung parts of the zone may rely on buses or cars given the area's moderate safety scores