P.S. 175 The Lynn Gross Discovery School

P.S. 175 consistently beats district averages — ELA proficiency of 67.1% sits above the District 28 average of 62.8%, while math at 76.5% substantially outpaces the district's 62.8%. The school's overall 2.87/4 score also exceeds the district average of 2.51. Looking at the trend, scores dipped in 2024 (ELA dropped to 47.8%, math to 57.8%) but rebounded sharply in 2025, suggesting the school navigated post-pandemic challenges effectively. Grade 4 students perform strongest, with 73.4% ELA and 80.2% math proficiency.

The culture at P.S. 175 is defined by exceptional trust and safety metrics. Teachers report 98% feeling safe in school — well above the district average of 93%. Parent trust in teachers (97%) and the principal (97%) mirrors this, along with 95% reporting strong relationships. However, the school faces a significant attendance challenge: chronic absenteeism sits at 68.9%, affecting both genders nearly equally (68.7% male, 69.2% female). The bright spot: zero suspensions for three straight years, indicating effective behavioral approaches or a particularly cooperative student body. Teacher instruction quality (88%) trails the district average of 91.7% slightly, which is worth noting.

With 668 students in grades K-5 plus pre-K and special education, P.S. 175 draws primarily from its zoned neighborhood. The student body is notably majority White (47%) with substantial Asian representation (32%), while Hispanic (16%) and Black (1%) students make up smaller proportions. This differs from the broader district, which has more Hispanic and Black representation. The economic need index of 48.9 indicates a moderate mix of economic backgrounds, and 15% of students have IEPs. PTA fundraising of $35 per student is well below the district average of $165 per student, suggesting fewer extracurricular resources funded by families.

Forest Hills is a stable, education-oriented neighborhood in Queens with a median household income of $104,416 and just 7.8% poverty rate — significantly lower than many other Queens neighborhoods. Families with children represent 18% of households, and 60.6% of residents have bachelor's degrees or higher. The area scores 85.44 for education orientation, indicating strong parental emphasis on schooling. Safety scores (42.91) suggest some concerns, and the neighborhood has moderate transit access (43.3). The area offers several parks and is known for its tree-lined streets and local shopping along Austin Street.

Forest Hills is a walkable neighborhood with good access to public transit via the express subway lines and LIRR. Many families walk or drive, and the area has moderate traffic typical of a residential Queens neighborhood.