P.S. 136 Roy Wilkins

Test scores have climbed dramatically — from a pandemic low of 32.9% ELA in 2022 to 56.8% this year, now matching the district average. Math has surged even more impressively, from 25% in 2022 to 53.8%, essentially tied with the district. The school is performing right at district levels for both subjects, which is meaningful given that 65% of students qualify for free lunch. The grade-level breakdown shows strength in the early grades (3rd grade hits 60.9% ELA) but a noticeable dip in 4th grade (48.7% ELA), suggesting a transition challenge worth asking about at curriculum night.

The survey data tells a remarkable story: nearly every parent and teacher feels connected and trusted. Parent satisfaction sits at 96%, with 98% expressing trust in the principal. Teachers echo that confidence at 95% for principal trust and 97% report feeling safe. The school has also eliminated suspensions entirely — zero in the most recent year after a single incident each of the two prior years. The tension here is attendance: while the overall rate matches the district at 90.9%, chronic absenteeism is a significant 61.8%, meaning nearly two-thirds of students missed significant school time. This disconnect between high survey satisfaction and spotty attendance is worth probing — families clearly feel good about the school when engaged, but getting students through the door consistently is a challenge.

The student body is 81% Black, reflecting the neighborhood's demographics, with 10% Hispanic, 4% Asian, and small populations of other groups. Economic need is high at 65.4%, and 12% of students have IEPs. The diversity index of 40% is moderate for Queens. PTA fundraising is $34 per student — essentially flat with the district average, suggesting a middle-ground level of family resources and volunteer energy.

St. Albans is one of Queens' more stable, residential neighborhoods — 75% homeownership and a median household income near $98,000 tell that story. The area scores extremely high on stability (97 percentile) and health environment (85), with decent safety marks (65). Transit access is weaker (39), meaning most families drive or walk. There's a small proportion of households with children (13%), which may contribute to the attendance challenges if many families have school-age children elsewhere or are dealing with multi-generational household logistics.

Most families walk or drive — transit options are limited compared to more central Queens neighborhoods, so consider commute logistics if you're coming from outside St. Albans.