Preparatory Academy for Writers: A College Board School

ELA proficiency at 44.8% falls below the district average of 57%, and math at 51.8% is also slightly below the district's 54%. The school's overall score of 1.93/4 trails the district average of 2.21. Looking at the trend: the school made substantial gains from 2016-2022, with ELA climbing from 39% to 61% and math from 43% to 31%, then reversing — math recovered to 52% by 2024 before dropping again to 52%. By Grade 6, students show stronger performance (65% math, 50% ELA), suggesting the middle school years present an academic challenge. The school offers AP courses and accelerated/honors tracks, though the 2025 test scores indicate students are catching up rather than leading.

The attendance rate of 95.9% exceeds the district average, but chronic absenteeism at 87.6% is strikingly high — nearly every student missed significant school time. Survey results reveal a disconnect: parents report 90% satisfaction and 89-90% trust in teachers and principal, but only 9% of families responded to the survey, raising questions about representativeness. Teachers are notably positive about instruction quality (96%) and principal trust (91%), though collegial trust among teachers is lower at 79%. With zero suspensions, the school has adopted a restorative approach to discipline. The day-to-day feel appears collaborative between families and staff, but the chronic absenteeism crisis suggests underlying engagement challenges.

The student body is 82% Black, 10% Hispanic, 4% Asian, and 2% White — notably homogeneous for a district with more diverse demographics. Economic need is moderate at 54.5%, and 18% of students have IEPs. The neighborhood surrounding the school is working-to-middle-class with a median household income of $74,543, 11.3% poverty rate, and 37% homeownership. With a diversity index of 37% at the school compared to neighborhood demographics, the school reflects its local community more than drawing from across the district.

Springfield Gardens is a residential neighborhood in southeastern Queens with a family density score of 38 and moderate safety ratings (61 out of 100). The area offers some green space and parks, though transit access scores low at 37 — families are likely dependent on cars or buses. The health environment score is strong at 85, indicating clean air and lower environmental hazards. Median home values around $386,000 suggest a stable community with homeowners and renters alike.

Transit access is limited (score 37) — most families likely drive or rely on buses rather than walking or subway