At a Glance
A zoned elementary school in a stable, family-heavy Queens neighborhood where test scores have rebounded sharply but chronic absenteeism remains a challenge
Families who value a tight-knit school community with strong trust between parents and teachers, and who are prepared to actively address attendance challenges. This is a good fit for families who want a diverse zoned school in a stable, homeowner-dominated neighborhood and who can commit to consistent attendance habits to combat the high chronic absenteeism trend.
- Zero suspensions for three consecutive years — exceptional discipline record
- Very high teacher-reported safety (99%) and teacher-principal trust (97%)
- Strong parent satisfaction (94%) and family engagement (353 survey responses)
- Recent dramatic academic recovery: 2025 scores jumped 18 percentage points in ELA from 2024
- Fifth grade ELA proficiency (58.1%) exceeds district average
- Chronic absenteeism of 59.5% is a major concern — nearly 3 in 5 students are chronically absent
- Academic performance still trails district averages despite recent gains
- Limited transit accessibility — families will need a car for most daily needs
- Very high chronic absenteeism among Asian (66.9%) and multiracial (68%) student populations
- Class sizes average 23.1 students, roughly on par with district average
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 29
Among district peers in Queens, The Bellaire School ranks below charter school standouts (Success Academy schools score 91-95/100) and several zoned elementary schools like P.S. 176 Cambria Heights (81/100). The school's overall score of 2.11/4 is essentially at the district average of 2.21/4, placing it in the middle tier. However, its trajectory is positive, and its climate metrics are exceptional.
Test scores at The Bellaire School have been volatile over the past decade, with a sharp dip during the pandemic years (2022-2024) followed by a strong rebound in 2025. The current 53.5% ELA and 52.1% math proficiency rates represent the school's best performance since at least 2016, but both remain below the district averages of 56.9% ELA and 53.7% math. Third and fifth graders perform strongest, with fifth grade reaching 58.1% ELA proficiency — notably higher than the district average for that grade span.
The school's climate data tells a story of strong trust between families, teachers, and leadership — parent satisfaction sits at 94%, teacher-principal trust at 97%, and teacher-reported safety at an exceptional 99%. However, there's a disconnect between these strong relational metrics and attendance: chronic absenteeism stands at 59.5%, meaning roughly 3 in 5 students missed significant school time. This pattern holds across demographic groups, with Asian students (66.9%) and multiracial students (68%) showing the highest chronic absenteeism rates. Discipline is not a concern — the school has had zero suspensions for three consecutive years.
With 743 students, The Bellaire School reflects the diversity of Queens Village: 37% Asian, 22% Black, 23% Hispanic, 11% Native American, and smaller populations of white and multiracial students. The diversity index of 85% is notably high. However, only 4% of students identify as white in a neighborhood that is 72.7% homeowner-occupied — suggesting this zoned school may serve a different demographic than the surrounding area's homeowners. The economic need index of 63.1% indicates significant student poverty, and 16% of students receive special education services.
Queens Village is a stable, residential neighborhood in central Queens with a strong family orientation — 72.7% homeownership and a 97.7 stability score reflect this. The median household income of $98,047 is solid for Queens, and the poverty rate is low at 8.8%. Education orientation scores well at 70.88, suggesting families here value schooling. Transit options are limited (33.33 score), so most families drive or walk. Safety scores are moderate at 63.6, and environmental health indicators show some concern with elevated asthma rates and lead exposure risks.
Most families walk or drive to this zoned school; the neighborhood is car-oriented with limited transit options, so families should expect a commute by vehicle for most errand-running.
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) · 353 families responded (53% 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 The Bellaire School a good school?
- On Motley, The Bellaire School earns an overall quality score of 53/100 — a blend of New York State ELA and math results, attendance, and the school-climate survey. Its state test results run in line with the District 29 average.
- What grades does The Bellaire School serve?
- The Bellaire School serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into The Bellaire School?
- The Bellaire School admits by zone — families living in its attendance zone are generally guaranteed a seat.
- Is The Bellaire School public, charter, or private?
- The Bellaire School is a public school in NYC Community School District 29.
- What neighborhood is The Bellaire School in?
- The Bellaire School is in Queens Village, Queens.
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