Motley
District 2626
PublicDistrict 26Zoned

The James J. Ambrose School

80-51 261 STREET

At a Glance

A high-performing zoned elementary in a stable, family-oriented Queens neighborhood where academic strength meets community trust

Best suited for

Families seeking a zoned elementary in a stable, affluent Queens neighborhood with high safety and strong parent-school relationships. Best for families with reliable transportation who value discipline and trust over test-score maximization. Ideal for families who prioritize community cohesion and are comfortable with a school where chronic absenteeism may affect classroom culture despite high satisfaction scores.

What stands out
  • Zero suspensions for three consecutive years — an exceptional discipline record
  • Near-universal family trust scores (98% parent-principal trust, 100% strong relationships)
  • Grade 5 students achieving 82.9% proficiency in both ELA and Math — the highest performing grade
  • PTA fundraising of $96 per student indicates strong parent financial engagement
  • Teacher-reported safety at 98% creates a secure learning environment
Things to consider
  • Chronic absenteeism of 84.7% is high despite strong climate survey results — this disconnect between satisfaction and attendance warrants investigation
  • Transit accessibility is very low — families need reliable transportation
  • Class sizes at 25.5 students are at the district average, not a distinguishing factor
  • The school is zoned only — no application options for out-of-district families
  • Family survey response rate of 38% is moderate, though 250 responses provides reasonable feedback

Based on 2024-2025 data

School SummaryDistrict 26

Among District 26 peers (PS 098 The Douglaston School, PS 094 Porter, PS 203 Oakland Gardens, PS 041 Crocheron, PS 130, PS 188 Kingsbury), this school performs comparably with a strong academic profile. It distinguishes itself through unmatched family trust metrics and a perfect discipline record rather than through raw test score dominance.

AcademicsDeclining

Test scores place this school above the District 26 average in ELA (79.6% vs. 75.8%) and on par in Math (80.2% vs. 80.2%), with a 3.2 overall rating that slightly exceeds the district mean of 3.1. Grade-level data shows strength building over time — Grade 5 students outperform younger cohorts with 82.9% proficiency in both subjects. The data reflects a school where students are performing at a high level relative to peers across the district.

Culturestrong

The school reports exceptional family trust — 98% parent-teacher trust, 98% parent-principal trust, and 100% of families reporting strong relationships. Teachers report 98% safety and 90% instruction quality, with 96% collegial trust among staff. The discipline record is spotless with zero suspensions across three consecutive years. However, chronic absenteeism at 84.7% is notably high, particularly among Hispanic students (86.5%) and multiracial students (90.5%), suggesting attendance engagement may need focused outreach despite the strong relational climate.

Community

With 70% Asian enrollment, this school reflects the demographic makeup of its high-income, homeowner-heavy neighborhood. The student body is 16% Hispanic, 5% Black, 5% White, and 3% multiracial, with 9% IEP students. The economic need index of 37 is well below citywide averages, indicating most families have resources to support learning. PTA fundraising of $96 per student demonstrates active family involvement.

NeighborhoodGlen Oaks-Floral Park-New Hyde Park

The Glen Oaks-Floral Park-New Hyde Park neighborhood offers a stable, family-oriented environment with a safety score of 77.39 and education orientation score of 77.39. With 75.1% homeownership and a median home value of $604,412, it's a financially comfortable area where families have children at lower rates (16% of households) but those who do invest heavily in their children's education. Transit options are limited (score 27.2), making car ownership nearly essential for most families.

The neighborhood is car-dependent with minimal transit access. Families without vehicles will face longer commute times. The area is best suited for families who drive or can arrange carpools.

Academic Performance

ELA Proficiency

79.6%

Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State ELA exam.

NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23

Math Proficiency

80.2%

Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State Math exam.

NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23

Survey Results

Family Feedback
Satisfaction
95%
Teacher Trust
98%
Principal Trust
98%
Relationships
100%
Teacher Perspective
Instruction
90%
Principal Trust
83%
Collegial Trust
96%
Safety
98%

NYC School Survey (2025) · 250 families responded (38% rate)

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Moderate
16%Hispanic/Latino
5%Black
5%White
70%Asian
3%Multi-Racial
2%Native American

NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23

PTA Fundraising

2024-25
$62,945total raised
$96per student

Source: DOE Local Law 171 disclosure

Economic Need & Special Populations

Economic Need Index
37%
IEP Students
9.3%

Discipline

0suspensions (0% of students)
3-Year Trend— Stable
21
22
23

NYSED Student & Educator Database (2023-24)

Frequently Asked Questions
Is The James J. Ambrose School a good school?
On Motley, The James J. Ambrose School earns an overall quality score of 80/100 — 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 26 average.
What grades does The James J. Ambrose School serve?
The James J. Ambrose School serves grades Pre-K to 5.
How do students get into The James J. Ambrose School?
The James J. Ambrose School admits by zone — families living in its attendance zone are generally guaranteed a seat.
Is The James J. Ambrose School public, charter, or private?
The James J. Ambrose School is a public school in NYC Community School District 26.
What neighborhood is The James J. Ambrose School in?
The James J. Ambrose School is in Glen Oaks-Floral Park-New Hyde Park, Queens.
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