P.S. 163 Flushing Heights

P.S. 163 delivers academic results that place it among the top performers in District 25 — ELA proficiency at 67.9% sits modestly above the district average of 64.9%, but math at 86.4% dramatically outpaces the district's 69.6%. Looking at the historical trend, math scores have been climbing steadily from a low of 71.7% in 2022 to this year's 86.4%, while ELA has been more volatile but shows recent upward momentum reaching its highest point in years. The school's overall score of 3.09 out of 4 exceeds the district average of 2.69, and proficiency rates climb notably in lower grades — third graders hit 94.4% math proficiency — suggesting strong early intervention.

The survey data tells a remarkably consistent story: families feel deeply connected and trusting of the school. Parent satisfaction hits 97%, parent-teacher trust reaches 99%, and an extraordinary 100% of parents report strong relationships with teachers — numbers that far exceed district averages. Teachers themselves report 100% safety and 97% instruction quality, though teacher-principal trust at 88% is solid but slightly lower than the family-facing metrics. The school has maintained zero suspensions for two consecutive years after a brief uptick in 2021-22, creating an environment where discipline is clearly handled through means other than exclusion.

P.S. 163 serves 805 students in a school that mirrors its neighborhood's demographics: 81% Asian, 14% Hispanic, with minimal Black, White, or Multiracial representation. The diversity index of 37% reflects a relatively homogeneous population, though the economic need index of 67.6% indicates a meaningful portion of families face financial challenges despite the neighborhood's higher home values. The PTA raised about $24 per student this year — below the district average of $50 — suggesting parent involvement exists but may be less resource-intensive than peer schools.

Queensboro Hill is a predominantly residential, family-oriented neighborhood in Queens with a homeownership rate above 50% and median home values approaching $1 million — indicating economic stability even if the median household income of $71,035 is moderate. The area scores reasonably well on safety (67th percentile) and has a strong health environment score (81st percentile), though transit access is limited (31st percentile). With 23% of households having children and a low poverty rate of 13.3%, the neighborhood attracts families seeking stability and relatively affordable housing compared to Manhattan or parts of Brooklyn.

The neighborhood is primarily residential and walkable for local families, though limited transit options mean most students arrive by car or school bus rather than public transportation.