P.S. 196 Grand Central Parkway

P.S. 196 delivers exceptional academic results that place it far above the district average — ELA proficiency of 96.3% versus the district's 62.8%, and math at 97% versus 62.8%. The school earned an overall score of 3.87 out of 4, significantly outpacing the district average of 2.51. Looking at the historical trend, scores have been consistently strong since 2018, with a notable jump to 92%+ in ELA and 94%+ in math that year and sustained high performance through 2025. There's a slight dip in 2024 (ELA 90.1%, Math 96.8%) but a strong recovery in 2025. By grade, 5th graders lead with 97.4% ELA and 98.3% math proficiency, showing solid preparation for middle school.

The school culture is remarkably strong across every measured dimension. Parent satisfaction sits at 95%, teacher instruction quality at 94%, and — remarkably — every single parent, teacher, and student surveyed reported feeling safe (100% teacher-reported safety). Trust metrics are extraordinary: 100% of families report strong relationships, 98% trust between parents and teachers, and 97% trust in the principal. The school has had zero suspensions for three consecutive years, and chronic absenteeism is relatively low at around 13%. This is a school where the day-to-day feel is clearly positive — families feel heard, teachers trust leadership, and students are engaged.

With 824 students across pre-K through 5th grade and an average class size of 24.5 (matching the district average), P.S. 196 serves a notably diverse student body: 40% Asian, 37% White, 14% Hispanic, 7% Multi-Racial, and 2% Black. This diversity index of 72% reflects the broader Forest Hills neighborhood, which is economically stable (median household income $104,416, only 7.8% poverty rate) and educated (60.6% with BA+). The school draws strong community investment — PTA fundraising reached nearly $1.5 million in 2024-25, translating to $1,808 per student, far above the district average of $165. Only 13% of students have IEPs, indicating typical special education services within a general education setting.

Forest Hills is a residential neighborhood in central Queens known for its tree-lined streets, family-friendly atmosphere, and strong educational orientation (scoring 85.44 on education metrics). The area offers good access to parks and recreational facilities, and the neighborhood has a family density score of 75.1. Homeownership is high at 49.8% with median home values around $608,000, indicating stability. Transit options are moderate (score 43.3), and the safety score of 42.91 suggests families should be aware of typical urban considerations. The neighborhood's 60.6% college-educated population and low 7.8% poverty rate create a supportive environment for families prioritizing education.

The school is accessible to zoned families in the Forest Hills area; most students walk or are driven from nearby residential blocks, with typical suburban-style drop-off patterns common in this family-dense neighborhood.