P.S./M.S. 138 Sunrise

Test scores remain below the Queens District 29 average — 43.5% ELA proficiency versus 56.9% district-wide, and 40.2% math versus 53.7% — but the nine-year trend is hard to ignore. ELA climbed from the low 20s in 2017 to 43.5% in 2025, while math jumped from 8.7% to 40.2% over the same period. Grade-level breakdowns show particular strength in 7th grade ELA (49.4%) and 3rd grade math (57.1%), though 6th grade math (15%) drags the middle school numbers down. Science proficiency at 28.1% signals another growth area.

The survey data tells a striking story: 98% of teachers rate instruction quality highly, 97% of parents trust teachers, and 91% feel the school is safe. There were zero suspensions in 2023-24 — a three-year streak. Parent response rates (37%) and teacher survey participation (41 responses) are modest but show engaged core families. The big red flag is chronic absenteeism at 55.1%, nearly double the district average, which drags overall attendance down to 87.9%. This suggests the school has work to do on daily attendance habits even while excelling at keeping enrolled students safe and trusted.

The student body is 74% Black, reflecting the neighborhood's demographics, with meaningful Hispanic (13%) and Asian (6%) representation. At 51% diversity index, there's moderate racial diversity, though the school is far less white than surrounding suburban perceptions of Queens might suggest. Economic need is significant at 67.7% — about two-thirds of students qualify for free or reduced lunch — which contextualizes the academic challenges. The 17% IEP population is served through integrated support.

Rosedale is a stable, residential Queens neighborhood with a 67% homeownership rate and median home value over $600,000 — it feels more suburban than urban. The median household income ($102,904) is solidly middle-class, and poverty sits at just 9%, making this one of the more economically comfortable areas served by District 29 schools. Safety scores (65.9) are moderate, and transit access (33.7) is limited — families will likely drive or rely on school buses. The neighborhood skews older and family-dense, with parks and quiet streets that appeal to parents seeking a lower-crime, less congested environment.

Rosedale is car-dependent for most families — the neighborhood has minimal subway access, so parents should plan for driving, carpooling, or district transportation. Walking to school is common for families who live within a few blocks, but the quiet residential streets mean foot traffic is light.