P.S. 101 School in the Gardens

Test scores at P.S. 101 have followed an impressive upward trajectory, climbing from 68% ELA in 2016 to today's 89.6% — a gain of over 20 percentage points. Math performance has been even more striking, jumping from 73.7% to 89.6%. Both subjects now sit roughly 27 percentage points above the district average of roughly 63%, placing this school among the highest performers in Queens District 28. Grade-level data shows consistent strength across third through fifth grade, with fifth graders leading in ELA (92.2%) and third graders excelling in math (93.1%). The 2024-25 scores represent a slight dip from 2023's peak (85.2% ELA, 94.3% math) but remain well above the school's historical performance and significantly outpace peer schools.

The day-to-day atmosphere at P.S. 101 appears strongly positive based on survey data. Teachers report 99% feeling safe at work, and families echo that sentiment with 93% satisfaction and near-universal trust in both teachers (97%) and the principal (96%). Every single parent surveyed reported 'strong relationships' with the school — a remarkable 100% that suggests active community building. Teacher instruction quality scores 89%, and while teacher-principal trust (80%) is solid, it's the one area with slightly more measured responses. Discipline data shows zero suspensions for three consecutive years, indicating an approach focused on relationship-building rather than exclusionary practices. The attendance rate of 94.3% exceeds the district average, reinforcing the sense that families and students are engaged and showing up.

P.S. 101 reflects its Forest Hills neighborhood in its composition: 39% white, 28% Asian, 19% Hispanic, 11% multiracial, and 3% Black — notably more diverse than city averages with a diversity index of 77%. The school serves 526 students across pre-K through fifth grade, with an average class size of 24.5 students matching the district average. Economic need is relatively low at 17.6%, and 17% of students have IEPs — close to district norms. The PTA raised over $333,000 this year ($634 per student), nearly four times the district average per-pupil, demonstrating exceptional family financial engagement and volunteer energy.

Forest Hills offers the kind of neighborhood that families describe as 'stable' and 'quiet' — scores of 75% for family density and 85% for education orientation reflect a community where families with children are the norm and academic expectations run high. The median household income of $104,000 and homeownership rate near 50% signal a solidly middle-class, economically stable area. Transit scores (43%) suggest car dependency for many families, though the area is walkable. Safety scores (43%) indicate some concern — parents should know this is an area where crime density and lead exposure rates warrant awareness, though the neighborhood's family-oriented feel is genuine. Parks and green spaces are accessible, and the community has the feel of a place where neighbors know each other.

Forest Hills is a walkable neighborhood, and many families arrive on foot or by stroller, especially for the pre-K and early elementary grades. Those coming from further afield typically drive, as transit access is moderate rather than excellent.