P.S. 197 The Ocean School

P.S. 197’s 48.2% ELA and 53.8% math proficiency place it below the District 27 averages of 56.1% and 57.3%, but the trajectory tells a different story. From a 2016 baseline of 13% ELA and 14% math, the school has climbed steadily — with math leaping from 27.2% in 2022 to 53.8% in 2025, a 26-point jump in three years. Grade 3 performs strongest (64.4% math), while Grade 5 lags (39.3% math), suggesting the upper grades are still catching up from pandemic disruptions. The overall 2.04/4 score reflects a school that’s improving fast but hasn’t yet reached district parity.

This is where P.S. 197 shines. Teacher instruction quality scores a perfect 100%, and trust metrics are extraordinary: 97% parent-teacher trust, 95% parent-principal trust, and 98% teacher collegial trust. Family surveys show 100% reporting strong relationships with school staff. Teacher-reported safety sits at 96%. The discipline record is spotless — zero suspensions for two consecutive years after eliminating them entirely. Yet attendance tells a troubling story: 53.7% chronic absenteeism, reaching 62.9% for Hispanic students. The day-to-day feel is clearly warm and trusting, but getting kids to school consistently is a significant challenge.

The school’s 419 students are predominantly Hispanic (51%) and Black (42%), reflecting the Far Rockaway-Bayswater neighborhood’s demographics. With a 77% economic need index and 19% IEP population, this serves a community with significant support needs. The diversity index of 53% indicates a fairly homogeneous student body, typical for a zoned neighborhood school. Family survey response was modest (167 families), though the 90% satisfaction rate among respondents suggests engaged parents who do respond are generally pleased.

Far Rockaway-Bayswater sits on the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens — a waterfront community known for its beach access but limited transit. Safety scores (42.15) and education orientation (41.38) are below average, reflecting a neighborhood still working to stabilize. However, the health environment scores an exceptional 90.04, and family density (51.34) indicates a solid base of households with children. Median home values ($625K) suggest a working-to-middle-class community, and the 29% homeownership rate shows some stability. Families here rely on cars more than transit — the 24.14 transit score reflects limited subway access.

Walking is feasible within the immediate neighborhood, but many families commute by car. The Rockaway Peninsula has limited bus service, and the nearest subway (A train) is a distance away. Most families drive or get dropped off.