At a Glance
A high-performing zoned elementary with rock-solid family trust and zero suspensions, serving a predominantly Black student body in one of Queens' most stable neighborhoods
Best suited for
Families who prioritize academic performance, want a zoned school without lottery complexity, and value a community where parent trust and relationships are demonstrably strong. Best for families who live in the Cambria Heights zone or nearby — this is not a school you'd commute far to, given the neighborhood's transit limitations. Ideal for those who want a school with zero exclusionary discipline and high family engagement.
Overall Rating
NY State test proficiency
What stands out
- Math proficiency exceeding 80% with consistent strength across all tested grades
- Zero suspensions for three consecutive years — a rare record in NYC
- Family trust and relationship scores at 94-95%, well above city averages
- Parent satisfaction (92%) exceeds district average
- Strong attendance (93.5%) outperforming district average
Things to consider
- Teacher trust in leadership (77%) and instruction quality scores (82%) fall below district averages — worth understanding more about during a school visit
- Only 26 teachers responded to the climate survey, making some teacher-sentiment data less reliable
- Chronic absenteeism is high (81.4%), though this may reflect broader post-pandemic attendance challenges district-wide
- Not a transit-heavy area — families need a car or rely on walking/busing
- Teacher collegial trust (77%) suggests some room for professional culture improvement
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 29
P.S. 176 ranks among the stronger zoned elementary schools in District 29, with an overall score of 3.22/4 compared to the district average of 2.21. It trails the district's high-performing charter schools (Success Academy at 95/100) but outperforms most traditional public schools in the area. For families seeking a high-performing zoned option without lottery complexity, this is a standout choice.
Academics
P.S. 176 delivers strong academics with ELA and math proficiency rates (79.1% and 81.8%) that outpace the District 29 averages by roughly 22-28 percentage points — a meaningful gap that reflects real instructional strength. The school has shown an upward trajectory over the past decade, climbing from 58.2%/48.5% in 2016 to today's marks, with a notable bounce-back after a dip in 2024. Performance is consistent across grades 3-5, with math particularly strong at 83.3% in grade 4.
Culture
The culture here is defined by exceptional family trust — 95% of parents report strong relationships, and nearly all feel trust in teachers (94%) and the principal (93%). Teacher-reported safety is high at 94%. However, there's a notable gap between family sentiment and teacher sentiment: instruction quality scores (82%) and teacher-principal trust (77%) both fall below district averages, and only 26 teachers responded to the survey. Chronic absenteeism is high at 81.4%, which may reflect post-pandemic attendance challenges more than school climate issues. The zero-suspension record is a genuine strength, suggesting a restorative or relationship-based approach to behavior.
Community
With 76% Black students, P.S. 176 reflects the demographics of Cambria Heights, a neighborhood that remains predominantly Black with growing Asian (5%) and Hispanic (6%) populations. The diversity index of 49% and economic need index of 39.4 suggest a middle-class community that is more affluent than many Queens neighborhoods. The 12% IEP population is typical, and class sizes (23.1) match the district average.
Neighborhood
Cambria Heights is one of Queens' more stable, family-oriented neighborhoods — think tree-lined blocks, a predominantly homeowner population (86.4%), and a poverty rate of just 5.4%. It's not a transit hub (transit score: 40.23), so most families walk or drive. Safety scores are moderate (69.35), and the neighborhood's stability score of 98.85 reflects long-term residents and established community bonds. Families will find the area quiet and residential, with the typical amenities of a middle-class Queens neighborhood.
Families primarily walk or drive — the neighborhood is residential and low-traffic, making for safe walks to school, though it's not near major subway lines
Academic Performance
ELA Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State ELA exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Math Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State Math exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Historical Trends
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 368 families responded (67% rate)
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database (2023-24)
Economic Need & Special Populations
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Economic Need & Special Populations
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Discipline
One bad year doesn’t tell you much. Three years of state-verified suspension data shows whether things are getting better or worse.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is P.S. 176 Cambria Heights a good school?
- On Motley, P.S. 176 Cambria Heights earns an overall quality score of 81/100 — a blend of New York State ELA and math results, attendance, and the school-climate survey. Its state test results run above the District 29 average.
- What grades does P.S. 176 Cambria Heights serve?
- P.S. 176 Cambria Heights serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into P.S. 176 Cambria Heights?
- P.S. 176 Cambria Heights admits by zone — families living in its attendance zone are generally guaranteed a seat.
- Is P.S. 176 Cambria Heights public, charter, or private?
- P.S. 176 Cambria Heights is a public school in NYC Community School District 29.
- What neighborhood is P.S. 176 Cambria Heights in?
- P.S. 176 Cambria Heights is in Cambria Heights, Queens.