P.S. 104 The Bays Water

Test scores at P.S. 104 remain below the Queens District 27 averages — ELA sits at 36% versus the district's 56%, and math at 43% versus 57% — but the trend line tells a recovery story. After dropping to 19% ELA and 19% math in 2017, the school has climbed steadily, adding roughly 10 percentage points in both subjects since 2022. Grade 5 students are performing strongest in ELA (43%) while Grade 3 shows the strongest math results (49%). The overall score of 1.59 out of 4 reflects the gap that remains, but also signals a school moving in a clearer direction after some turbulent years.

Here's where P.S. 104 tells a surprising story. Parent satisfaction sits at 95%, teacher-principal trust at 98%, and every single parent surveyed (100%) reported strong relationships with the school. Teachers give 97% marks for instruction quality and 93% for safety — both above district averages. The discipline record is spotless: zero suspensions for three consecutive years. Yet chronic absenteeism is a serious concern at 58%, running notably higher for Hispanic students (63%) than for Black students (54%). The attendance pattern suggests families believe in the school culture even when logistical barriers keep kids home — a paradox worth understanding before enrolling.

At 569 students, P.S. 104 is a mid-sized elementary with a demographic profile that mirrors its neighborhood: 54% Hispanic, 36% Black, with very small Asian (3%) and white (4%) populations. The diversity index of 59% reflects a community that is predominantly two groups, with limited socioeconomic diversity — 85% economic need means most families here are navigating financial stress. At 19%, the IEP population is notable and suggests robust special education services. There are no lottery-based admissions; this is a zoned school serving its immediate community.

Far Rockaway-Bayswater is a coastal Queens neighborhood with a family population of about 22%, sitting on the Rockaway Peninsula near the beach. The area scores poorly on transit (24) and safety (42), reflecting its geographic isolation from the rest of the city and some quality-of-life challenges. However, health environment scores very high (90), and the median home value of $626,000 suggests the neighborhood has seen development pressure. Families here are primarily working-class, with a median household income of $68,000 and a 17.6% poverty rate — real economic diversity exists between long-time residents and newer arrivals.

This is a car-dependent neighborhood for most families — the low transit score reflects limited subway access. Families walk if they live within the zone, but many rely on cars or buses for the longer haul to the rest of Queens.