P.S. 220 Edward Mandel

Test scores at P.S. 220 sit below the Queens District 28 average — ELA proficiency of 52.1% and math at 50% compare unfavorably to district averages of roughly 63% in both subjects. The school's overall quality rating of 2.04 out of 4 also falls below the district average of 2.51. Historical data shows a volatile trend: ELA climbed from 42% in 2016 to a peak near 54% in 2023, then dipped to 42% in 2024 before recovering to 52% in 2025. Math followed a similar pattern, reaching 55% in 2023 before settling at 50%. Grade-level data shows Grade 3 performing slightly higher (53.8% ELA) while Grade 5 math dips to 46.8%. Students here are working toward proficiency rather than exceeding benchmarks.

The cultural fabric here is remarkably strong. Parent satisfaction sits at 94% with near-universal reports of strong relationships (100%) and high trust in both teachers (96%) and the principal (95%). Teachers echo this — 96% rate instruction quality highly, 95% trust the principal, and a striking 100% report feeling safe. The discipline record is pristine: zero suspensions across the past three school years. However, attendance is a concern — the 89.4% attendance rate falls below the 91.4% district average, and chronic absenteeism reaches an alarming 59.8%. This suggests that while families and staff feel connected, getting students to school consistently remains a challenge.

With 586 students across pre-K through 5th grade, P.S. 220 is a mid-sized elementary school. The student body is diverse: 33% white, 32% Asian, 26% Hispanic, 6% Black, with small multi-racial and Native American populations. The diversity index of 76% reflects this mix. Notably, 64.5% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, indicating significant economic need despite the neighborhood's relatively high median income ($104,416). IEP students make up 10% of the population. PTA fundraising is minimal at $8 per student (total $4,691), far below the district average of $165 per student — suggesting either less fundraising activity or fewer resources for enrichment programs.

Forest Hills is a densely populated, family-oriented Queens neighborhood with strong education values (education orientation score: 85.44). The area offers decent transit access and moderate safety, though crime density indicators suggest some caution is warranted. With 75.1% family density and about 18% of households having children, this is a neighborhood where families are present but not dominated by children. The median home value of $608,519 and homeownership rate of nearly 50% indicate a stable, middle-to-upper-income community. The area has parks and local commercial corridors, making it a practical base for families.

Forest Hills is generally walkable with good subway access via the E, F, M, and R lines at 71st Avenue/Forest Hills-71st Avenue station. Families within the zoned catchment typically walk or use local bus routes; driving involves navigating Queens traffic patterns.