P.S. 221 The North Hills School

P.S. 221 delivers strong academic results that consistently exceed District 26 averages — ELA proficiency of 81.6% runs about 6 points above the district average of 75.8%, while math at 82.2% sits roughly 2 points ahead. The school's overall quality rating of 3.28 out of 4 also tops the district average of 3.12. However, the historical trend shows some volatility: scores dipped notably in 2024 (ELA dropped to 67.9%) before recovering strongly in 2025, suggesting the school navigated some kind of disruption or transition. Grade-level data shows particularly strong performance in 5th grade ELA (86.3%) while 4th grade ELA lags at 75% — a spread that parents may want to understand when considering grade-level expectations.

The culture here is a major selling point. Teachers report 100% feeling safe at work, and trust in leadership is nearly universal — teacher-principal trust sits at an extraordinary 99%, with teacher collegial trust at 97%. Families mirror that sentiment: 95% satisfaction, 97% trust in both teachers and the principal, and 93% report strong relationships within the school community. The school has logged zero suspensions for three straight years, and chronic absenteeism at 89.5% is notably higher than ideal (though attendance overall at 95.2% is solid). The survey response rates — 87% of families and 41 teachers — indicate genuine engagement with feedback, not just a vocal minority. This feels like a school where people genuinely like working and learning.

The student body reflects the neighborhood's demographics: predominantly Asian (65%), with meaningful White (16%) and Hispanic (14%) representation, and very few Black students (3%). The diversity index of 56% is moderate, and with 34.5% economic need, this is a relatively advantaged population — about one in eight students has an IEP. PTA fundraising of $141 per student ($80,657 total) supports enrichment, though it actually trails the district average of $96.35 per student — an interesting detail for parents who assume wealthier neighborhoods fundraise more aggressively.

Douglaston-Little Neck is one of Queens' most stable, family-oriented neighborhoods — 74% homeownership, median household income above $111,000, and a poverty rate of just 7%. The area scores 88.51 for education orientation, meaning families here prioritize academics. Safety scores are strong at 81.99, though transit access is limited (17.24) and family density is relatively low (26.05), reflecting a suburban-feeling pocket of Queens. The health environment scores well (98.85), with low lead exposure and moderate asthma rates. Families should expect a quiet, residential neighborhood where getting around typically means driving.

This is a car-dependent neighborhood — transit access scores just 17.24, so most families drive or get dropped off. The area is quiet and residential, with limited walkable retail near the school itself.