At a Glance
A zoned elementary school in Sunnyside where academics outpace the district, families report sky-high trust, and teachers give a perfect safety rating — but chronic absenteeism casts a shadow over daily attendance
Families zoned for Sunnyside who value academic growth and a trusting school community — particularly those whose children respond well to consistent attendance expectations, since chronic absenteeism is high. Works well for families who prioritize teacher-parent relationships and safety over per-student fundraising extras.
- Math proficiency (70%) significantly outpaces district average (55%) — nearly double the 2018 score
- Perfect teacher-reported safety (100%) vs. 95% district average
- Zero suspensions for three straight years — exceptional discipline record
- Near-perfect parent trust scores (98% for both teachers and principal)
- Strong family survey response rate (49%) indicates engaged parent community
- Chronic absenteeism at 76% is extremely high — families should ask the school what support systems exist
- Zero Black student enrollment may reflect neighborhood patterns but warrants conversation
- PTA fundraising ($29/student) is slightly below district average — fewer extras than peer schools
- Class sizes at 24.5 are district-average, not a draw
- Zoned only — no choice option for out-of-district families
Based on 2024-25 data
School SummaryDistrict 24
Among District 24 peers, this school performs above the average quality score of 2.12 with a 2.61, though it's not formally ranked against charter schools in the peer list. The combination of strong academics and exceptional climate scores makes it stand out against traditional public schools in the area — though the chronic absenteeism rate is a concern the peer list doesn't capture.
Test scores here have nearly doubled since 2018 — math went from 37% to 70% and ELA from 46% to 61%, placing this school well above the District 24 averages of 51% ELA and 55% math. The overall quality score of 2.61 out of 4 also exceeds the district average of 2.12. Grade-level data shows steady growth: fifth graders lead in ELA (71%) while fourth graders lead in math (74%), suggesting the curriculum builds skills consistently across the elementary years.
The survey data paints an unusually warm picture: 96% of parents are satisfied, 98% trust teachers, and 98% trust the principal. Teachers rate instruction quality at 95% and report 100% safety — a perfect score that's notably higher than the district average of 95%. There have been zero suspensions for three consecutive years. But chronic absenteeism at 75.8% is alarmingly high, with rates varying widely by group (Hispanic students at 70% vs. multiracial at 90%), suggesting attendance may be driven more by family circumstances than school climate.
With 54% Hispanic, 25% Asian, and 16% White students, this school reflects Sunnyside's diverse working-class roots. The economic need index of 66% is above average, and 22% of students have IEPs — a meaningful population served in-house. The diversity index of 64% and zero Black enrollment suggest a demographic profile shaped by the neighborhood's housing patterns. PTA fundraising of $29 per student is slightly below the district average of $32.
Sunnyside is a dense, transit-connected Queens neighborhood with a median home value of $660K and a relatively low 12% poverty rate, though only 22% of residents own homes. The family density score of 60 reflects a community where 17% of households have children. Safety scores (45.59) and stability scores (44.06) are below average, while health environment (67) is a relative strength. Families rely on public transit (score 50) more than driving, and the area has decent access to parks and neighborhood retail.
Sunnyside is walkable and well-served by the 7 train and multiple bus lines, making it practical for families without cars — typical for a dense Queens neighborhood
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) · 221 families responded (49% 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 Children's Lab School a good school?
- On Motley, The Children's Lab School earns an overall quality score of 65/100 — a blend of New York State ELA and math results, attendance, and the school-climate survey. Its state test results run above the District 24 average.
- What grades does The Children's Lab School serve?
- The Children's Lab School serves grades K to 5.
- How do students get into The Children's Lab School?
- The Children's Lab School admits by zone — families living in its attendance zone are generally guaranteed a seat.
- Is The Children's Lab School public, charter, or private?
- The Children's Lab School is a public school in NYC Community School District 24.
- What neighborhood is The Children's Lab School in?
- The Children's Lab School is in Sunnyside, Queens.
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