P.S. 149 Christa McAuliffe

Test scores at P.S. 149 sit below the District 30 average — 45% ELA versus 60.7% district-wide, and 58.1% math versus 62.2% district-wide. However, the school has shown a strong recovery trajectory after a pandemic dip, particularly in math where scores climbed nearly 30 percentage points since 2022. Third graders perform best, with 76.4% math proficiency, while fifth grade shows the biggest gap with only 44.4% math proficiency. The overall score of 2.06 out of 4 places it below the district average of 2.46.

The culture here is a real strength. Parent satisfaction hits 94% with near-universal trust in teachers (97%) and the principal (97%), and 95% report strong relationships. Teachers also report high collegial trust (87%) and confidence in leadership (86%). Instruction quality scores 90%. The biggest red flag: chronic absenteeism at 76.4% — far above what's typical, meaning nearly 8 in 10 students miss too much school. That said, discipline is excellent with zero suspensions for three consecutive years, and 88% of teachers report feeling safe.

The student body is 87% Hispanic, reflecting the Jackson Heights neighborhood's large immigrant and Latino population. Eight percent Asian, 2% Black, 3% White. With an economic need index of 79.8% and 19% of students having IEPs, this is a high-need school serving working-class families. The diversity index is low at 30%, meaning the student body is fairly homogeneous — families should know this is a predominantly Hispanic community.

Jackson Heights is one of Queens' most family-dense neighborhoods (91st percentile) with a strong emphasis on community. The area is transit-accessible and working-class, with a median household income of $72,762 and 39.7% homeownership. The safety score is low (24.5 percentile), which parents should factor in, though teachers report feeling safe at 88%. Families will find the neighborhood immigrant-friendly and rich in cultural resources.

Jackson Heights is a walkable neighborhood with good subway access via the 7, E, F, R, and M lines, and the area has strong pedestrian activity. Families typically walk or take public transit.