P.S. 096

Test scores at P.S. 096 have followed an impressive upward trajectory over the past decade, with proficiency rates more than doubling in both subjects since 2016. The school now outperforms the District 27 average by roughly 20 percentage points in both ELA (75.4% vs. 56.1%) and math (77.2% vs. 57.3%). Performance is strongest in third grade (84.4% math) and fourth grade (81.6% ELA), while fifth grade math lags somewhat at 67.5%. The overall quality score of 3.05/4 places it solidly above the district average of 2.27, indicating sustained academic improvement rather than a single strong year.

The survey data reveals a striking split between family and teacher perspectives. Parents are highly satisfied (93%) and express strong trust in teachers (94%) and the principal (95%), with 100% reporting strong relationships at the school. Teachers uniformly report feeling safe (100%) and rate instruction quality highly (96%). However, teacher-principal trust sits at only 59%, and teacher collegial trust at 72% — notably lower than parent trust levels. Attendance presents a challenge: while the 90.8% attendance rate slightly exceeds the district average, chronic absenteeism is high at 62.5%, affecting over three-fifths of students. On a positive note, the school has maintained a zero suspension rate for three consecutive years, indicating effective behavioral approaches.

With 303 students across pre-K through 5th grade, P.S. 096 is a mid-sized elementary school. The student body is predominantly Asian (38%), followed by Black (20%), Hispanic (18%), and a notably high Native American population (19% — significantly above city averages). White students represent only 3%. The diversity index of 84% reflects a heterogeneous community. Economic need is substantial at 70.7%, and 6% of students have IEPs. PTA fundraising is modest at $38 per student, well below the district average of $121 — suggesting fewer enrichment resources funded through parent contributions.

South Ozone Park is a predominantly residential neighborhood in Queens with a strong family orientation (69% homeownership, 72% family density score). The median household income of $98,190 is above the city average, while poverty remains relatively low at 10.5%. The area scores well on safety (60.5) and stability (60.9), with an excellent health environment score (87.4). Transit accessibility is moderate (37.6), reflecting the area's car-friendly character. Education orientation is moderate (51.7%), suggesting this is a neighborhood where families value both home life and school engagement without the intense academic pressure seen in some other areas.

The neighborhood is primarily residential and car-oriented. Families without vehicles may find transit options limited compared to more central Queens neighborhoods.