P.S. 161 Arthur Ashe School

P.S. 161 posted impressive 2024-25 proficiency scores with 70.1% in ELA and 74.7% in math — both exceeding the district averages of approximately 62.8% and placing this school above most peers. However, the trajectory is uneven: scores dipped sharply in 2022 (ELA hit 44.2%) before recovering dramatically, suggesting the school experienced pandemic-related disruptions and has since rebounded strongly. Grade 3 performs exceptionally well (82% ELA, 83.6% math), while Grade 5 math drops to 58.7%, indicating some unevenness in upper-grade instruction or retention.

The survey data tells a remarkable story — this is a school where families and teachers genuinely trust leadership. Parent satisfaction sits at 96%, parent-teacher trust at 98%, and teacher-reported safety at 99%. These are exceptional numbers that suggest a warm, stable school culture. Attendance is a different story: while the overall attendance rate (91.2%) tracks with the district average, chronic absenteeism is alarmingly high at 67%, with Native American students (77.5%) and Asian students (72.4%) most affected. There have been zero suspensions over the past three years, indicating an environment focused on relationship-building over punitive discipline.

With 547 students and a class size matching the district average (24.5), this is a mid-sized elementary school. The student body is predominantly Asian (68%), with significant Hispanic representation (16%), while Black (4%) and White (3%) students make up smaller portions. The diversity index of 59% reflects the multicultural character of South Richmond Hill. Notably, 14% of students have IEPs, and the economic need index of 67.8% indicates a substantial population facing economic challenges — higher than the neighborhood's relatively affluent median income ($87,837) might suggest.

South Richmond Hill is a residential Queens neighborhood with a strong homeownership culture (57.2%) and median home values around $703,000. The area scores low on education orientation (31%) but has solid health environment scores (88%). Families should know that the neighborhood has elevated crime density (1,697) and some environmental health concerns, including elevated lead rates (12.6%) and asthma rates. The area offers moderate transit access and family density.

The school serves a zoned population, so most families walk or drive from within the neighborhood. The area is residential with typical suburban-style streets — families typically commute by car or walk from nearby blocks.