P.S. 133 The Bellerose School of Excellence

P.S. 133's 2025 proficiency scores (73.9% ELA, 78.9% math) place it just below the district averages of 75.8% and 80.2%, but the recovery trajectory is the real story. After dropping to 61.9% ELA and 58.8% math in 2022 during the pandemic, the school has climbed back past pre-COVID levels in math while approaching its historical ELA highs. Grade-level breakdown shows consistent performance across grades 3-5, with 3rd grade leading at 85.5% math proficiency. The 3.06 overall score matches the district average of 3.12, indicating solid but not exceptional academic performance.

The culture data is extraordinary. Parent satisfaction sits at 95%, teacher-principal trust at 94%, and parent-principal trust at an almost unheard-of 99%. Every single family surveyed reported 'strong relationships' with the school. Teacher instruction quality scores 93%, well above the district average of 89.9%. Most remarkably, the school has maintained zero suspensions for three consecutive years — a 0% rate compared to the district's 0.1% average. The only caution: chronic absenteeism is high at 74.7%, with Black students disproportionately affected at 94.7%. This suggests attendance outreach may be an area for growth.

With 593 students, P.S. 133 is a mid-sized elementary school that reflects its neighborhood: predominantly Asian (66%), with meaningful Hispanic (16%) and White (9%) representation. The diversity index of 61% indicates a moderately diverse student body. At 47.7% economic need, this is a working-middle-class community — not the wealthiest corner of District 26, but far from high-need. The 13% IEP population suggests adequate support for students with special needs. PTA fundraising of $54 per student is about half the district average, indicating less fundraising capacity than some peer schools but still meaningful community investment.

Bellerose is a quintessential stable Queens neighborhood — 97% stability score, 70% homeownership, median home value of $637K, and only 8.3% poverty rate. Families with children make up 23% of households, and the area scores 81.23 on education orientation, meaning families here prioritize schools. Safety scores a solid 75.1, though transit access is limited (21.46 score), reflecting the area's car-dependent nature. The neighborhood has a suburban feel with single-family homes, making it feel far from the intensity of inner-city Queens — families often describe it as 'quiet' and 'settled.'

Bellerose is a car-dependent neighborhood with limited transit options. Most families drive or walk from nearby blocks; the school's zoned enrollment means most students live within walking distance, but longer commutes are common for those outside the immediate area.