At a Glance
A high-performing zoned school in a stable, homeownership-heavy Queens neighborhood where test scores and family trust both rank among the district's best
Families who live within the zoned area of Bay Terrace-Clearview and want a high-performing neighborhood school with strong parent-teacher relationships and minimal disciplinary issues. Best for families who value academics and community stability over specialized programs, and who are comfortable with a school that doesn't offer a screened admissions process. Those needing robust transit access may find the neighborhood challenging.
- Test scores consistently outpace District 25 averages by 15-20 percentage points in both subjects
- Zero suspensions for three consecutive years — an unusually strong discipline record
- 100% of families report strong relationships with the school; 97% parent-teacher trust
- PTA fundraising of $206 per student is more than 4x the district average
- Teacher instruction quality rated 100% — the highest possible score
- Grade 3 proficiency above 90% in both ELA and math indicates strong early elementary foundations
- No specialized admissions program — this is a zoned neighborhood school serving its designated area
- Chronic absenteeism rate of 89.9% is high and may indicate families keeping children home for minor issues
- Transit access is limited (37.93 score) — families should expect to drive or walk
- Limited advanced program options compared to screened schools in the district
- Grade 4 ELA scores (74.4%) are notably lower than Grade 3 and 5 — a potential area to watch
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 25
Among peer schools in District 25, P.S. 209 does not have a published quality review score like some peers (The Active Learning Elementary at 92/100, P.S. 079 Francis Lewis at 90/100), but its test score performance puts it among the top performers in the district. The school significantly outperforms the district average in both academics and parent engagement metrics.
Test scores at P.S. 209 are well above district averages — ELA proficiency of 83.8% versus the district average of 64.9%, and math at 86.2% versus 69.6%. The school earned an overall score of 3.4 out of 4, substantially higher than the district average of 2.69. Grade 3 performance is particularly strong with 91% ELA and 92.6% math proficiency, suggesting strong early literacy and numeracy foundations. The school has seen meaningful growth over time, with math climbing from 72.1% in 2016 to 86.2% in 2025 — a 14-point gain.
The survey data tells a remarkable story — 100% of families report strong relationships, 97% trust between parents and teachers, and 99% trust between teachers and principal. Teacher-reported safety is at 99%, and instruction quality is rated 100%. There have been zero suspensions for three consecutive years, indicating either very effective behavioral support or a community where issues resolve before escalation. The school culture appears collaborative, trusting, and focused on instruction.
With 55% Asian, 24% White, 18% Hispanic, and small Black and multiracial populations, P.S. 209 is diverse but reflects the neighborhood's demographic makeup. The diversity index of 60% is solid for Queens. At 518 students, it's a medium-sized elementary school with class sizes averaging 24.7 students — identical to the district average. The economic need index of 34.9% suggests a generally comfortable student body, though not affluent enough to lack families needing support. PTA fundraising of $206 per student far exceeds the district average of $50, indicating strong parent involvement.
Bay Terrace-Clearview is a stable, family-oriented Queens neighborhood with 78% homeownership and a median home value of $561,712. The area scores 77 out of 100 on safety, with a low poverty rate of 6.4% and median household income of $109,078. Education orientation scores 60.92, indicating a community that values schools. Transit access is modest (37.93), which aligns with a car-dependent or walking-focused neighborhood. The health environment scores exceptionally high (98.08), suggesting clean air and good environmental conditions.
This is a residential neighborhood where many families walk to school. The area is more car-oriented than transit-heavy, so most families drive or walk depending on exact location within the zoned area.
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
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 353 families responded (83% rate)
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
PTA Fundraising
Source: DOE Local Law 171 disclosure
Economic Need & Special Populations
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database (2023-24)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is P.S. 209 Clearview Gardens a good school?
- On Motley, P.S. 209 Clearview Gardens earns an overall quality score of 85/100 — a blend of New York State ELA and math results, attendance, and the school-climate survey. Its state test results run above the District 25 average.
- What grades does P.S. 209 Clearview Gardens serve?
- P.S. 209 Clearview Gardens serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into P.S. 209 Clearview Gardens?
- P.S. 209 Clearview Gardens admits by zone — families living in its attendance zone are generally guaranteed a seat.
- Is P.S. 209 Clearview Gardens public, charter, or private?
- P.S. 209 Clearview Gardens is a public school in NYC Community School District 25.
- What neighborhood is P.S. 209 Clearview Gardens in?
- P.S. 209 Clearview Gardens is in Bay Terrace-Clearview, Queens.
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