P.S. 195 William Haberle

P.S. 195's 2025 proficiency scores (ELA 43.1%, Math 44.9%) sit below the District 29 averages (ELA 56.9%, Math 53.7%), placing it in the lower tier of a district that itself performs below citywide averages. However, the eight-year trend tells a story of real progress — ELA has climbed from 27.6% in 2016 to 43.1% in 2025, while math jumped from 22.9% to 44.9% over the same period, essentially doubling. The grade-level breakdown shows a strong third-grade cohort (ELA 54.3%, Math 63.3%) that performs at or near district averages, while fifth grade lags significantly behind (ELA 33.3%, Math 25.7%). Teacher instruction quality scores (80%) also fall below the district average (88.4%), suggesting classroom-level instruction may be an area for growth even as absolute scores improve.

The climate data presents a paradox worth understanding. On one hand, P.S. 195 achieves near-perfect family trust scores: 98% parent-teacher trust, 95% parent-principal trust, and a remarkable 100% of families reporting 'strong relationships' with the school. Teacher-reported safety is excellent at 95%, and the school has maintained zero suspensions for three consecutive years — a stark contrast to the district average of 0.94%. On the other hand, chronic absenteeism sits at a concerning 56.6%, with Black students (61.7%) and females (58%) particularly affected. This suggests a disconnect between family sentiment and daily attendance habits — parents feel connected when they're engaged, but getting kids to school consistently remains a struggle. The 43% family survey response rate is moderate, and with only 31 teacher responses, the survey data should be interpreted cautiously.

The student body is 85% Black, 10% Hispanic, and predominantly low-income with an economic need index of 63.1% — notably higher than the surrounding Rosedale neighborhood, which has a median household income of $102,904 and only 9% poverty rate. This suggests P.S. 195 draws students from a wider geographic area or serves families facing economic challenges not fully reflected in the neighborhood's relatively prosperous profile. The diversity index of 32% is low, and IEP students represent 13% of enrollment. PTA fundraising is minimal at $9 per student compared to the district average of $33.20, indicating limited extra funding from family contributions.

Rosedale is a quiet, residential Queens neighborhood characterized by single-family homes, high homeownership (67.3%), and relatively low poverty (9%). The area scores modestly on safety (65.9) and transit access (33.72), but performs well on health environment (81.99). There's a notable tension: the neighborhood itself is stable and affluent, but the school's student population carries significantly higher economic need. Families should note that car ownership is likely necessary — the low transit score means getting to school without a vehicle is difficult. The neighborhood is family-oriented but not particularly walkable to amenities, and the 'family density' score of 29.12 reflects fewer children per household compared to other Queens areas.

Low walkability — the neighborhood's low transit score (33.72) and family density suggest most families drive or get dropped off; walking is feasible but not the norm