P.S. 160 Walter Francis Bishop

P.S. 160 has outperformed its district average in both subjects — ELA at 64.6% versus the district's 62.8%, and math at 72.4% versus 62.8%. The overall quality score of 2.74 outpaces the district average of 2.51. What's most striking is the trajectory: in 2016, this school posted just 24.2% ELA and 20.5% math proficiency. By 2025, those numbers reached 64.6% and 72.4% — more than doubling in ELA and nearly tripling in math. This isn't a quick rebound; it's a sustained upward trend across eight years of data. Grade 5 students are the strongest performers, hitting 68.9% in ELA and 78% in math.

The survey data tells a story of a school where relationships work. Parent satisfaction at 97% and parent-principal trust at 100% are exceptional — families feel heard and supported. Teachers echo that sentiment: teacher-principal trust is 97%, and teacher collegial trust is 94%. Instruction quality scores 88%, which is slightly below the district average of 92%, though still solid. Safety perception is strong at 95% for teachers and presumably similarly high for families given the trust scores. Discipline is a bright spot — zero suspensions for three consecutive years, a rare record in any school. The challenge is attendance: the 89.5% rate falls below the district average of 91.4%, and chronic absenteeism at 61.3% is concerning. By subgroup, Asian students show the highest chronic absenteeism at 70.2%, followed by Black students at 67.2%.

With 589 students, P.S. 160 is a mid-sized elementary serving a demographically diverse student body. The makeup is 37% Black, 28% Hispanic, 17% Asian, 13% Native American, 4% multiracial, and 1% white — reflecting the neighborhood's makeup. The diversity index of 82% is high. Economic need is significant at 77 on the index, and 16% of students have IEPs. The school fundraises modestly at about $10 per student, far below the district average of $165 per student — this suggests less parent-led enrichment funding than peers.

South Jamaica is a working- and middle-class Queens neighborhood of modest homes, co-ops, and apartment buildings. Median home value is $587,639, and homeownership rates are solid at 46%. The area scores moderately on safety (49th percentile) and family density (49th), with below-average transit access (40th percentile) and education orientation (34th). Families should expect a suburban-feeling area where a car is helpful for some errands, though the neighborhood is walkable. The community has a settled feel — many long-term residents, stability score of 54%.

Families report the area is walkable with decent sidewalk access, though transit options are limited compared to more central Queens neighborhoods — car ownership is helpful but not essential