At a Glance
A rare K-12 campus where 89% of students have IEPs and families report near-universal trust in teachers and leadership
Families with children who have IEPs and are looking for a school where special education is the core mission, not an add-on. Parents who value a restorative discipline approach over punitive measures. Families seeking K-12 continuity in a single school. Those who prioritize trust and relationship-building over standardized academic performance benchmarks.
- Zero suspensions — discipline is handled through restorative approaches rather than exclusionary practices
- Near-universal parent trust (99% parent-teacher, 98% parent-principal)
- K-12 campus provides continuity for families with multiple children or long-term special education needs
- 89% IEP population means specialized staff and programming built specifically for diverse learning needs
- Strong teacher collegial trust (94%) suggests a collaborative staff environment
- No traditional academic proficiency data available for comparison — progress is measured differently here
- Very high IEP population (89%) means this is a specialized setting, not a neighborhood school with inclusion programs
- Family survey response rate of 21% means the satisfaction data represents a subset of families
- The economic need index (89.9%) indicates most families face significant resource challenges
Based on 2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 0
Among Queens district 30 schools, P.S. Q256 occupies a unique niche as a K-12 specialized setting. Traditional comparisons to district averages don't apply — this school serves a fundamentally different population with different metrics for success. Where it stands out is in climate and culture: the trust and safety scores would place it among the highest-performing schools in any district context.
With 89% of students having Individualized Education Programs, traditional proficiency metrics don't tell the full story here. This is a school where academic progress is measured through IEP goal progress and individual growth, not standardized test rankings against district averages. The high teacher-reported instruction quality (84%) and strong collegial trust (94%) suggest teachers feel supported in delivering specialized instruction.
This is a school where the discipline philosophy is clearly working differently than most: zero suspensions is exceptional, especially at a K-12 campus serving a high-needs population. Parent satisfaction at 95% and near-perfect trust scores (99% parent-teacher, 98% parent-principal) indicate families feel heard and valued. Teachers report 85% safety perception and 93% trust in leadership — numbers that suggest a collaborative, stable environment. The trade-off is a family survey response rate of only 21%, which means the glowing feedback represents a subset of families.
The student body is predominantly Black (49%) and Hispanic (32%), with a diversity index of 68%. Nearly 90% of students qualify for economic need support, reflecting a community where families face significant resource constraints. The 89% IEP rate makes this a specialized setting — this isn't a traditional neighborhood school but rather one built around supporting students with learning differences, behavioral needs, or developmental delays.
The school is located in a residential section of Queens characterized by single-family homes, local businesses, and a mix of long-time residents and immigrant families. The area offers access to local parks and is served by public transit, making it manageable for families without cars.
Many families walk or use short bus rides; the neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly with moderate street traffic
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 110 families responded (21% rate)
Economic Need & Special Populations
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is P.S. Q256 a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for P.S. Q256 yet on Motley. It's a public school serving grades Pre-K to 12.
- What grades does P.S. Q256 serve?
- P.S. Q256 serves grades Pre-K to 12.
- Is P.S. Q256 public, charter, or private?
- P.S. Q256 is a public school.
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Discipline
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