P.S. 89Q: The Jose Peralta School of Dreamers

Test scores show a school still finding its footing after a difficult period. Math proficiency at 45% and ELA at 44.8% both fall below the district averages of 54.8% and 51.1% respectively, and the overall quality score of 1.8/4 lags the district average of 2.1. Looking at the historical trend, the school actually peaked in 2019 (ELA 50.2%, Math 48.1%) before declining during the pandemic years — 2022 saw Math plummet to 29.5% and 2024 saw ELA drop to 34.7%. The current numbers represent recovery, but not yet a return to pre-pandemic levels. Grade 5 performs noticeably stronger than younger grades, with over half of students meeting ELA standards — suggesting upper-grade instruction may be more effective.

This is where P.S. 89Q genuinely shines. Parent satisfaction reaches 95%, well above the district average, and trust metrics are exceptional: 97% of parents trust both teachers and the principal. Teachers report similarly strong collegial relationships (95% trust) and confidence in leadership (97%). The school has maintained a zero suspension rate for three consecutive years — a remarkable record that suggests restorative practices are working. However, teacher-reported safety at 87% falls below both the district average (94.9%) and what families perceive, which is worth noting. Chronic absenteeism is a real concern at 73.3%, significantly impacting how much instructional time students receive.

P.S. 89Q is a large elementary school with 1,379 students, overwhelmingly Hispanic (74%) with a significant Asian population (23%). The school mirrors its Elmhurst neighborhood, which has a 30.3% college-educated population and median household income of $68,354. With an economic need index of 79.7% — among the highest in the district — this is a school serving families facing real financial challenges. The diversity index of 39% reflects a relatively homogeneous student body, though the Asian population adds meaningful cultural diversity. Nearly 17% of students have IEPs, indicating robust special education services.

Elmhurst is one of Queens' most family-dense neighborhoods (scoring 93.1 on the family density scale) with a strong education orientation. The area offers solid transit connections (63.22) and a reasonably healthy environment, though safety concerns exist (only 25.67 percentile ranking). The neighborhood has shifted in recent decades toward a predominantly immigrant Hispanic and Asian population, with strong community ties and local businesses. Housing costs have grown substantially, with median home values at $692,633, making this increasingly expensive for the families the school serves.

The school is in a residential area where many families walk or use short bus rides. The area is dense and urban, with good subway access nearby for families coming from farther away.