At a Glance
A zoned elementary school where family trust runs high but academic performance lags significantly behind district averages
Families who live within the zoned catchment and value a school with engaged parents, strong trust relationships, and a discipline-free environment — but who are prepared to provide significant academic support at home or through outside resources. Families seeking stronger academics may want to explore district charter options or consider moving zones.
- Exceptional family engagement — 93% survey response rate and 94% parent satisfaction
- Zero suspensions for three consecutive years despite high-need population
- Strong parent-principal trust (98%) and teacher instruction quality ratings (96%)
- PTA fundraising of $37/student exceeds district average, indicating active parent investment
- Academic performance is roughly half the district average — students may need significant supplemental support
- Chronic absenteeism at 78.8% means many students are missing substantial instructional time
- Teacher-reported safety (80%) lags significantly behind district average (95%)
- Very low diversity — students will not encounter classmates from varied backgrounds
- The school is zoned only; no choice or application process
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 24
Among peer schools in District 24, P.S. Q016 trails significantly. Nearby schools like P.S. 007 (84/100) and Central Queens Academy Charter (82/100) score far higher on quality metrics. This school does not appear in the top-performing tier and serves a fundamentally different student population in terms of economic need.
With 23% ELA proficiency and 29.7% math proficiency, this school scores roughly half what the average District 24 school achieves (51% ELA, 55% math). The 1.05 overall rating on a 4-point scale places it well below the district average of 2.12. Grade-level data shows Grade 3 outperforming peers in math (36%) while Grade 5 leads in ELA (25%), but no grade band reaches 30% in reading.
The survey data tells a nuanced story: families overwhelmingly trust this school's leadership (97% parent-teacher trust, 98% principal trust) and rate instruction quality highly (96%). Teachers report strong collegial trust (89%). However, teacher-reported safety sits at 80% — notably lower than the district average of 95% — which warrants attention. The discipline record is exemplary: zero suspensions for three consecutive years.
With 1,174 students, this is a larger elementary school serving a heavily Hispanic population (94%). The economic need index of 90.7% indicates nearly all students qualify for free or reduced lunch — among the highest need in the district. Only 4% of students are Asian and 1% white, with zero Black students enrolled. This demographic profile closely mirrors the surrounding Corona neighborhood, which has a 16.2% college-educated adult population and 22% homeownership.
Corona is a densely populated, family-heavy neighborhood (90th percentile for family density) but with significant socioeconomic challenges. Median income is $66,388 with a 17.9% poverty rate, and only 22% of residents own homes. The neighborhood scores low on education orientation (18th percentile), and safety indicators show concerns (crime density, elevated lead rates, high asthma emergency department visits). Transit access is moderate (45th percentile).
The school draws from its zoned catchment in Corona, a walkable neighborhood with mixed-use density. Many families arrive on foot or via short bus rides; the area is pedestrian-friendly but lacks easy subway access compared to more transit-rich parts of Queens.
Academic Performance
ELA Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State ELA exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Math Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State Math exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 852 families responded (93% rate)
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
PTA Fundraising
Source: DOE Local Law 171 disclosure
Economic Need & Special Populations
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database (2023-24)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is P.S. Q016 The Nancy DeBenedittis School a good school?
- On Motley, P.S. Q016 The Nancy DeBenedittis School earns an overall quality score of 26/100 — a blend of New York State ELA and math results, attendance, and the school-climate survey. Its state test results run below the District 24 average.
- What grades does P.S. Q016 The Nancy DeBenedittis School serve?
- P.S. Q016 The Nancy DeBenedittis School serves grades K to 5.
- How do students get into P.S. Q016 The Nancy DeBenedittis School?
- P.S. Q016 The Nancy DeBenedittis School admits by zone — families living in its attendance zone are generally guaranteed a seat.
- Is P.S. Q016 The Nancy DeBenedittis School public, charter, or private?
- P.S. Q016 The Nancy DeBenedittis School is a public school in NYC Community School District 24.
- What neighborhood is P.S. Q016 The Nancy DeBenedittis School in?
- P.S. Q016 The Nancy DeBenedittis School is in Corona, Queens.
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