P.S. 219 Paul Klapper

Test scores at P.S. 219 hover just below district averages — 62.8% ELA versus 64.9% district-wide, and 64.3% math versus 69.6% district-wide. The school's performance has seesawed over the past decade, with a dip in 2024 (53.8% ELA, 58.6% math) followed by recovery in 2025. The standout pattern is in middle school: grades 7 and 8 consistently outperform, with 7th grade hitting 78% ELA and 8th grade at 73% ELA — strong for the district. Elementary grades are weaker, particularly 5th grade at 45.9% ELA.

The climate data tells a complicated story. Parents absolutely love this school — 94% satisfaction with 98% trust in both teachers and principal, and 100% report strong relationships. Teachers also report near-universal safety (97%). But there's a sharp divide: teacher instruction quality scores 80% (below the 89.5% district average) and teacher-principal trust sits at only 67%, the weakest metric. The suspension rate is negligible (0%), which is positive. However, chronic absenteeism is a serious issue at 78.1% — meaning roughly 4 out of 5 students miss significant school time, well above district norms.

With 584 students across K-8, P.S. 219 is a mid-sized school that reflects its Queens neighborhood: 51% Asian, 29% Hispanic, 13% White, and 6% Black. The diversity index of 67% is solid. Nearly a third of students (29%) have IEPs, and the economic need index of 63 indicates significant family need. PTA fundraising lags behind district peers at $30 per student versus $50 district average — not a dealbreaker, but worth noting for families who value robust parent organization.

Kew Gardens Hills is a stable, residential Queens neighborhood with a 52.5% homeownership rate and median household income of $84,747 — comfortably middle-class. The poverty rate is low at 12.1%, and nearly half of residents (48.2%) hold bachelor's degrees. The neighborhood scores well on education orientation (67th percentile) and health environment (74th percentile), but transit access is weak (31st percentile) and safety is middle-of-the-road (56th percentile). Families will find a community-oriented, car-friendly area with decent parks and neighborhood retail.

Kew Gardens Hills is a car-oriented neighborhood — transit scores are low, and families without a vehicle should consider the commute carefully. The area is residential and walkable within the immediate neighborhood, but getting to school from further afield requires planning.