P.S. 156 Laurelton

P.S. 156 has made dramatic academic gains over the past nine years — ELA proficiency has risen from the mid-20% range in 2018-2019 to 64.2% in 2025, now outperforming the district average of 57%. Math is trickier: while it jumped from 21% in 2019 to 44% in 2023, it slipped slightly to 45.1% in 2025, landing below the district average of 54%. The 3rd grade shows the strongest math performance (54.5%), while 4th graders excel in ELA (74%). The overall quality score of 2.19/4 sits just below the district average of 2.21 — this is a school that's improving fast but hasn't fully closed the gap, particularly in math.

The climate data reveals a interesting disconnect. Parents absolutely love this school — 93% satisfaction, 96% trust in teachers, and 98% trust in the principal are outstanding numbers. Zero suspensions in three consecutive years is a real strength. However, chronic absenteeism is strikingly high at 61% (with Black students at 65% and females at 63%), and teacher-reported instruction quality comes in at just 60% — far below the district average of 88%. This suggests families feel well-treated and safe, but there may be engagement challenges or teacher turnover affecting daily instruction. The 60.9% chronic absenteeism rate is a red flag that families should dig into further — is it transportation, health, or motivation?

This is a predominantly Black school in a predominantly Black, middle-to-upper-income neighborhood. Students are 78% Black, 15% Hispanic, 3% White, and 1% Asian, with 65.5% economic need index — a notable gap between neighborhood affluence and student economic need. The diversity index of 42% is moderate. With only 166 students total, this is a tight-knit community where 11% of students have IEPs. The family survey had only 24 responses (14% response rate), so parent voice is limited but positive when engaged.

Laurelton is a stable, family-oriented neighborhood in southeast Queens known for its homeownership rate (79%) and high median home values ($599K). The median household income of $106K and low 4.9% poverty rate make this one of the more economically comfortable areas in Queens. Safety scores are moderate (64), and the neighborhood scores sky-high on stability (98). However, transit access is limited (score of 22), meaning most families will drive or walk. The family density score of 30 reflects a quieter, more residential feel rather than a bustling kid-heavy area.

Laurelton is car-dependent — the transit score of 22 is among the lowest in the borough. Families without a car should factor in a potentially lengthy commute or consider whether the school is accessible via the few bus routes that serve the area.