P.S. 098 The Douglaston School

Test scores here are exceptional — 91.6% ELA and 96.9% math proficiency far exceed the district averages of 75.8% and 80.2% respectively. The school earns a 3.77 overall rating compared to the district's 3.12. Looking at the historical trend, scores dipped notably in 2022 (68.8% ELA during remote learning recovery), but have climbed dramatically since — ELA gained 22.8 percentage points from 2022 to 2025, and math jumped 18 points. All three tested grades (3-5) perform in the 90%+ range for both subjects, showing consistent strength across the upper elementary grades.

The school culture is remarkably positive based on survey data — 92% of parents report satisfaction, and teachers give 100% marks for instruction quality and 100% for feeling safe at work. Trust metrics are exceptionally high: 96% parent-teacher trust, 95% teacher-principal trust, and 100% teacher collegial trust among staff. Discipline is essentially nonexistent — zero suspensions for three consecutive years. However, chronic absenteeism is notably high at 84.5%, which warrants attention despite the strong academic performance. The 34% family survey response rate and only 20 teacher responses may mean the most engaged voices are being heard, so take these very positive numbers with that context.

With 229 students, this is a small school with a demographically diverse enrollment: 39% Asian, 35% White, 20% Hispanic, plus small Black and Multi-Racial populations. The diversity index of 73% is notably high. Only 26.8% of students qualify for free lunch, reflecting the neighborhood's relative affluence. The school raises $388 per student through PTA efforts, totaling nearly $89,000 — solid if not the highest in the district, indicating engaged but not exceptionally wealthy parent fundraising.

Douglaston-Little Neck is one of Queens' most stable, family-dense neighborhoods with a median household income of $111,893 and a high homeownership rate of 74.2%. The area scores 81.99 for safety and 88.51 for education orientation, indicating a community that prioritizes schools. With 53.7% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, families here are highly educated. Transit options are limited (score of 17.24), so most families drive or walk. The neighborhood has excellent health environment scores (98.85) and low poverty at 7%.

Walkability is excellent given the suburban feel of Douglaston-Little Neck — many families walk or bike to school. However, the low transit score (17.24) means this is very much a car-dependent neighborhood, and families without vehicles may find commutes longer. The school draws primarily from its zoned catchment, so most students live within a short distance.