Queens United Middle School

Test scores at Queens United have more than doubled since 2016 — ELA climbed from 19% to the mid-40s, and math improved from the single digits to around 25-28%. That's real progress, and it shows the school has been working hard. But current performance still sits below the District 29 average (45% vs 57% for ELA, 25% vs 54% for math), and there's a notable dip in Grade 7 performance where ELA drops to 33% — notably lower than both Grade 6 (54%) and Grade 8 (51%). Math trails significantly across all grades, particularly in Grade 8 where it hits just 15%. The overall quality score of 1.41 out of 4 reflects that the school is still in catch-up mode compared to its district peers.

The day-to-day feel here is one of genuine connection — 92% of parents trust teachers, 91% trust the principal, and teachers report 96% trust in leadership, which is exceptional. Instruction quality scores 86%. The attendance picture is more complicated: overall attendance is solid at 93% (slightly above district average), but chronic absenteeism is strikingly high at 77%, meaning nearly 8 in 10 students miss at least 10% of the school year. Discipline is stable — 5 suspensions per year over the past three years, about 2% of students. For a family considering this school, the culture feels relational and trusting, but chronic absenteeism is a real factor affecting the learning environment.

This is a nearly all-Black school (88%) in a neighborhood that's predominantly Black with high homeownership and low poverty. The economic need index sits at 57%, and about a quarter of students have IEPs. ELL support is available. The student body is small — just 187 kids across three grades — which means class sizes are tight at around 23 students. In a neighborhood where households with children are relatively low (17%) and family density ranks in the 30th percentile, this small enrollment reflects the broader community pattern.

Laurelton is a stable, residential Queens neighborhood known for its high homeownership rates (79%) and median household income over $100,000. It's the kind of area where families have lived for decades — the stability score is nearly 98. Safety is moderate (64th percentile), though not as high as some surrounding areas. Transit access is limited (22nd percentile), so most families drive or walk. There's a community feel, with single-family homes and tree-lined streets, though it's not particularly walkable to much beyond residential blocks.

Limited transit options — most families drive or walk; the area is residential with single-family homes