P.S. 097 Forest Park

P.S. 097 has put together one of the more encouraging recovery arcs in the district. ELA proficiency jumped from 35.7% in 2022 to 51% in 2025, and math bounced even harder — from 27.8% to 57.1%, essentially matching the district average of 57.3%. The current ELA figure of 51% sits a few points below the district average of 56%, but the trajectory matters as much as the snapshot: this school was below district norms just three years ago and is now within striking distance. Scores by grade are relatively balanced, with Grade 4 leading the way (55.4% ELA, 60.8% math) and Grade 5 a bit behind.

The day-to-day feel here leans warm and trust-heavy, with parents giving the school near-unanimous marks (95% satisfaction, 96% parent-teacher trust, 95% parent-principal trust) — these are well above district norms. Teachers rate strong relationships at 100% and report solid instructional quality at 87%, though that's a bit below the district average of 90.9%, suggesting classrooms are functioning well but may have some room to grow on rigor. Teacher-reported safety at 89% is slightly below the district average of 92.6% — worth knowing, not alarming. Zero suspensions over three consecutive years is a real standout and speaks to either effective behavior management or a particularly calm student culture. Attendance at 90% is right at the district average, but chronic absenteeism of 58.3% is high and affects nearly every demographic group roughly equally — this is the school's biggest climate headwind and worth asking about on a tour.

P.S. 097's enrollment closely mirrors Woodhaven's neighborhood composition: 75% Hispanic and 17% Asian, with smaller shares of Black and White students, and a diversity index of 46%. About three-quarters of students qualify for the school's economic need index, reflecting the working-class character of the surrounding blocks. With 592 students and average class sizes of 23, it's a mid-sized zoned school where most families live within walking distance. Cultural and linguistic alignment between school and neighborhood is strong.

Woodhaven is a middle- and working-class Queens neighborhood where the median household income is around $83,000 and a little over half of residents own their homes — well above the citywide homeownership rate. About 21% of households have children, and roughly a quarter of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The neighborhood has a settled, family-oriented feel with a strong immigrant history that continues to shape its identity. Most families here are dual-income or single-earner working households putting down roots rather than transients passing through.

The school is a quick 3-minute walk from the 85 St-Forest Pkwy station on the J train, which is genuinely convenient. The J also stops at 75 St-Elderts Ln and Woodhaven Blvd, each about 9 minutes away, giving families on the edges of the zone a realistic commute option without a bus transfer.