P.S./I.S. 116 William C. Hughley

Test scores at 116 remain below the Queens District 29 averages — ELA sits at 40% versus the district's 57%, and math at 33% versus 54% — but the trajectory tells an important story. Over nine years, the school has more than doubled both scores, with math jumping from 14.8% in 2022 to 32.7% this year. The strongest performance is in younger grades: third-graders hit 50% math proficiency, and sixth-graders reached 45% in ELA. Science proficiency at 24% reflects the typical middle-school dip before students take Living Environment. The overall quality score of 1.46 out of 4 reflects these challenges, but the upward trend is real.

Here's where the picture gets interesting: parents rate this school highly, with 91% satisfaction and 97% trust in both teachers and the principal. Teachers give lower marks — 81% say instruction quality is good, but only 66% trust the principal, and 72% trust their colleagues. Teacher-reported safety is 89%, below the district average of 94%. The biggest red flag is chronic absenteeism at 48.5%, meaning nearly half of students miss a month or more of school. That's nearly double the district average. On the positive side, suspensions are rare (just 3 last year, down from 9 the two prior years), and the school has essentially eliminated out-of-school suspensions.

With 774 students across grades PK-8, 116 is a mid-sized combined elementary and middle school. The student body is predominantly Black (42%) and Hispanic (39%), with 14% Asian and 3% Native American. Nearly one in five students (19%) has an Individualized Education Program. The economic need index of 78.4% is high — most families here qualify for free or reduced lunch. The diversity index of 66% reflects a culturally rich student body, consistent with the surrounding neighborhood's demographics.

South Jamaica is a historically Black neighborhood in central Queens with roots going back generations. The median household income is $74,000, and homeownership sits at 46% — higher than many parts of the city. About 20% of households have children. The neighborhood scores in the middle range for family density and stability, though education orientation is lower at 34th percentile. Crime density and environmental health indicators (asthma rates, lead exposure) suggest some challenges that parents in the area navigate daily. There's a working-class authenticity here that many families value.

The school draws from a zoned area — most families walk or drive from within the neighborhood, which is primarily residential with local shops along main corridors