P.S. 097 Forest Park

Test scores have made a strong comeback from pandemic lows: math has recovered from 27.8% in 2022 to 57.1% in 2025, nearly matching the district average of 57.3%. ELA improved from 35.7% to 51%, though this still trails the district average of 56%. Grade-level data shows 4th grade performing strongest at 55.4% ELA and 60.8% math, while 5th grade lags slightly. The overall quality score of 2.16/4 sits just below the district average of 2.27, reflecting a school still in recovery mode rather than at peak performance.

The climate data tells a nuanced story. Parents absolutely love this school — 95% satisfaction and 96% parent-teacher trust are both above district averages. Teachers report strong relationships (100%) and decent trust in leadership (89%), though instruction quality ratings (87%) and safety perceptions (89%) fall slightly below district norms. The chronic absenteeism rate of 58.3% is notably high and mirrors patterns seen across the neighborhood. The discipline record is pristine — zero suspensions for three consecutive years — which reflects either excellent behavioral culture or very conservative disciplinary practices.

The student body is predominantly Hispanic (75%), with Asian students comprising 17%, a small white population (5%), and minimal Black (2%) enrollment. This closely mirrors the Woodhaven neighborhood demographics, where the population is majority Hispanic. The economic need index of 73.7% indicates most families qualify for free or reduced lunch — this is a high-need school serving a working-class population. Sixteen percent of students have IEPs, slightly above typical rates. The diversity index of 46% reflects a community that is relatively homogeneous by design of the zoned admissions system.

Woodhaven is a dense, working-class Queens neighborhood with a strong family presence — 21% of households have children. The median home value of $690,000 and homeownership rate of 52% suggest a stable community where families are putting down roots. The neighborhood scores near average on safety (51%) and transit (49%), meaning it's neither a haven nor a concern. Education orientation scores lower at 42%, which may reflect the area's blue-collar roots rather than academic push. Family density scores 57%, indicating plenty of kids in the area. Crime density is elevated at 1,519 incidents per area measure, and asthma rates are notably high (54.6 ER visits per 1,000), common in dense urban neighborhoods near highways.

Very walkable — this is a zoned neighborhood school where most families arrive on foot from surrounding blocks. The area has moderate transit access but limited parking, so families within walking distance have a clear advantage.