At a Glance
A small, high-performing zoned elementary where teacher trust and family satisfaction score near-perfect marks — and test scores are climbing fast
Families who live within the zoned area and prioritize a small, supportive school with sky-high teacher trust and strong academics. Parents who value a tight-knit community over extensive extracurricular programming will find this school well-suited. Families looking for G&T or screened programs should look elsewhere, but those wanting a solid neighborhood elementary with improving test scores and a safe, trusting environment will find it here.
- Zero suspensions for three consecutive years — a rare record in any elementary school
- Teacher trust and safety ratings at 100% in 2025 surveys
- Parent satisfaction at 96% with 95% survey response rate — families are engaged
- Math proficiency jumped 13 points in one year (69.4% to 82%)
- Small school size (255 students) means more personal attention
- Grade 5 math proficiency at 89.7% — exceptionally strong upper-grade performance
- Chronic absenteeism is high at 78.1% — families should be prepared for attendance expectations
- Very small enrollment (255) means limited extracurricular options compared to larger schools
- The school is zoned only — no G&T or Screened admissions; you must live in the catchment area
- Safety scores in the surrounding neighborhood rank low (24.52 percentile) — parents may want to discuss routes and supervision
- IEP services available but limited due to small size — specialized needs may require additional outside support
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 30
Among District 30 peers, this school doesn't have a state rating to compare directly against G&T and screened schools like The 30th Avenue School (97/100) or Baccalaureate School for Global Education (96/100), but its 3.1/4 overall quality rating and above-average test scores place it competitively against traditional zoned schools. It outperforms district averages across nearly every metric and has a discipline record that many larger schools in the area would envy.
Test scores here put this school solidly above the district average — 73.1% ELA proficiency versus the district's 60.7%, and 82% math versus 62.2%. But what really stands out is the trajectory: math jumped from 69.4% to 82% in just one year, and ELA climbed from 64.5% to 73.1%. Grade 5 students are especially strong, with 89.7% hitting math proficiency and 79.6% in ELA. The overall quality rating of 3.1/4 outpaces the district average of 2.46, making this one of the stronger performers in District 30.
The survey numbers here are remarkable. Teachers give 100% on safety and principal trust. Parents report 96% satisfaction and 97% trust in teachers. Every single surveyed family (100%) reported 'strong relationships' with the school. The school has logged zero suspensions for three consecutive years — a rare record. The attendance rate of 93.3% is slightly above district average, though chronic absenteeism at 78.1% is high and worth noting. But the culture feel is clearly one where families and staff feel connected and safe.
With 255 students across Pre-K through 5th grade, this is a small school. The demographics reflect the neighborhood: 46% Hispanic, 40% Asian, 11% White, and a small Black student population of 1%. The economic need index of 55.9% indicates a moderate-to-high need student body. The diversity index of 63% shows a mix of backgrounds, and with 8% IEP students, the school serves a range of learning needs within a zoned enrollment model.
Jackson Heights is one of the borough's most family-dense neighborhoods (91st percentile for families with children), with a median household income around $72,000 and moderate homeownership at 40%. The area scores lower on safety metrics (24.52 percentile) and higher on family density, meaning you'll see strollers and kids everywhere. Transit access is moderate, and the neighborhood has good access to parks and local businesses. Education orientation scores at 54th percentile — it's a working-class to middle-class community where schools are valued.
Jackson Heights is highly walkable with good subway access nearby. Many families walk or take short bus rides, and the neighborhood's density makes it practical for local families.
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) · 433 families responded (95% rate)
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Economic Need & Special Populations
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database (2023-24)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is The Hector Figueroa School a good school?
- On Motley, The Hector Figueroa School earns an overall quality score of 78/100 — a blend of New York State ELA and math results, attendance, and the school-climate survey. Its state test results run above the District 30 average.
- What grades does The Hector Figueroa School serve?
- The Hector Figueroa School serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into The Hector Figueroa School?
- The Hector Figueroa School admits by zone — families living in its attendance zone are generally guaranteed a seat.
- Is The Hector Figueroa School public, charter, or private?
- The Hector Figueroa School is a public school in NYC Community School District 30.
- What neighborhood is The Hector Figueroa School in?
- The Hector Figueroa School is in Jackson Heights, Queens.
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