P.S. 122 Mamie Fay

P.S. 122 delivers exceptional academic results, with ELA proficiency at 83.6% and math at 80% — both well above the District 30 averages of 60.7% and 62.2% respectively. The school's 3.27 overall score (on a 4-point scale) puts it in the upper tier. But the most striking pattern is the grade-level trajectory: elementary scores hover around 68-76%, then jump dramatically to 96-98% in grades 6-7 before settling at 93.7% in 8th grade. This suggests the school builds strong foundational skills and then accelerates effectively in middle school.

The culture here is defined by extraordinary trust and safety. Teachers give 100% on safety, 98% trust in the principal, and 97% collegial trust among staff. Parents echo this: 91% satisfaction, 96% teacher trust, 97% principal trust. The school has had zero suspensions for two of the past three years — a remarkable record. However, the chronic absenteeism rate of 81.9% is notably high, affecting all demographic groups, suggesting attendance may be an area for families to monitor closely.

The school reflects its neighborhood's demographics: 48% white, 27% Asian, 18% Hispanic, and 3% Black, with a diversity index of 71%. The economic need index of 52.3% indicates a moderate level of need, and 9% of students have IEPs. This is a mixed-income, diverse community school where families value education — the neighborhood's education orientation score of 73.56 (high) and BA+ education rate of 52.6% reinforce that families here prioritize academics.

Astoria-Ditmars is a family-dense, residential neighborhood in northwestern Queens with a median household income of $93,808 and low 10.1% poverty rate. The area scores high on education orientation (73.56 percentile) and family density (45.98 percentile), making it a natural fit for a zoned elementary/middle school. Safety scores are moderate (62.07), and transit access is lower (28.74), reflecting the area's suburban-like feel — families here typically drive or walk.

Given the lower transit score, most families likely walk or drive. The Ditmars area is pedestrian-friendly with decent sidewalk infrastructure, though parking can be challenging during peak school hours.