P.S. 118 Lorraine Hansberry

The school now outperforms the district average in math (61.3% vs. 53.7%) and is nearly at district average in ELA (55.1% vs. 56.9%), a notable turnaround from where scores were just a few years ago. Math gains have been especially striking, climbing from the low 20s in 2016-2019 to above 60% in 2025. Grade-level data shows strong 3rd grade math performance (71.4%) and solid 5th grade across both subjects. That said, teacher-reported instruction quality (82%) runs slightly below the district average (88%), suggesting there's room for growth in classroom pedagogy.

This is a school where families feel heard — parent-principal trust hits an exceptional 98% and parent satisfaction sits at 91%. Teachers report feeling very safe (98%, above district average). However, chronic absenteeism is a significant concern at 61.7%, affecting both boys and girls fairly equally and across racial groups. The school has maintained zero suspensions for three consecutive years, reflecting either strong behavioral practices or a hands-off approach depending on perspective. Teacher trust in leadership (78%) is notably lower than parent trust, and teacher-reported instruction quality lags behind district benchmarks.

The student body is predominantly Black (66%) with substantial Hispanic representation (21%) and a small Asian population (9%). Nearly 17% of students have IEPs. The economic need index of 68.7% indicates a majority of students come from lower-income households. This mirrors the neighborhood demographics — St. Albans is a historically Black neighborhood with strong roots and high homeownership (75%).

St. Albans is a stable, residential neighborhood in central Queens known for its tree-lined blocks and strong sense of community. Homeownership rates are high (75%), and the poverty rate is relatively low at 9.2%. The area scores well on stability (97th percentile) and health environment (85th percentile), though transit options are limited (39th percentile) and education orientation is moderate. Families describe it as a tight-knit area where kids can play outside.

St. Albans is a walkable neighborhood with relatively quiet residential streets. Many families walk or drive their children to school. The area is served by bus routes but lacks subway access, so commute times can be longer for those working outside Queens.