P.S. 140 Edward K Ellington

P.S. 140 has transformed academically over the past nine years. What was a school where fewer than 1 in 5 students passed state tests in 2016 now sees 68% proficiency in ELA and 62% in math — both above the District 28 averages. The jump from 2018 to 2019 showed a dip, but the school has climbed steadily since, with 2025 representing its strongest performance on record. Grade-level data shows Grade 4 students excelling (78.9% math, 76.3% ELA), while Grade 5 lags behind (46% math). The overall score of 2.6 out of 4 sits slightly above the district average of 2.51.

The school's climate tells a complicated story. On the family side, satisfaction is high: 91% of parents report satisfaction, 95% trust their child's teacher, and 91% trust the principal. Teachers report strong collegial trust (74%) and feel supported by families. However, only 38% of teachers trust the principal — a significant red flag that suggests leadership challenges despite positive family relationships. The school has gone three years without a single suspension, which reflects either excellent behavior management or very low expectations. Attendance is the biggest concern: the 88.8% attendance rate is well below the district average of 91.4%, and a striking 59.4% of students are chronically absent, with female students (64.8%) and Black students (62.9%) disproportionately affected.

With 377 students, P.S. 140 is a mid-sized elementary school in a neighborhood where 62% of residents are Black and 22% are Hispanic — closely mirroring the student body's demographics. The economic need index of 78 indicates most families face significant financial challenges, and 15% of students have IEPs. The diversity index of 61 reflects a racially diverse population, though the student body is less economically diverse than some neighboring schools. Families here are primarily working-class, with 62.8% homeownership in the neighborhood suggesting stability despite economic pressures.

Baisley Park is a residential Queens neighborhood with a mix of single-family homes and apartment buildings. The median home value of $549,812 reflects the area's affordability relative to other parts of the city, though the 62.8% homeownership rate suggests long-term stability. The neighborhood scores poorly on transit (29 out of 100) and family density (41), meaning it's not particularly walkable or packed with young children. Safety scores of 55 are below average, and the area has elevated environmental health concerns, including higher asthma rates and lead exposure risks. However, the neighborhood has parks and community resources that families use.

Public transit options are limited in this part of Queens — families are likely to rely on cars or school buses. The area is more car-friendly than pedestrian-friendly.