The Randolph Holder School for Social Justice

Test scores have climbed notably from their 2022 low point — ELA rose from 21.5% to 36.2% and math from 15.5% to 30% over three years — but the school still performs well below the district average of 56% in ELA and 57% in math. The overall quality rating of 1.32 out of 4 places it near the bottom of District 27. Grade 5 shows the strongest ELA performance at 44.1%, while Grade 3 leads in math at 37.8%, suggesting some grade-level pockets of stronger instruction. With 87.7% economic need and 20% IEP students, the school serves a high-need population where academic growth is happening but proficiency gaps persist.

The survey results paint a striking picture: 100% of families report strong relationships, 94% trust the teachers, and 94% trust the principal. Teachers report 96% feeling safe and 94% believing in the quality of instruction. This is a school where the community fabric is strong — families feel heard and respected. However, chronic absenteeism sits at a concerning 46.6%, with Hispanic students (53.9%) and female students (50.4%) missing the most school. The attendance rate of 86.4% lags the district average of 90%. Discipline is excellent with zero suspensions, but the absenteeism pattern suggests some families are struggling to get kids to school consistently.

The student body is predominantly Hispanic (69%) and Black (25%), with an economic need index of 87.7% — meaning nearly nine in ten students qualify for free or reduced lunch. One in five students has an IEP. The diversity index of 47% reflects a relatively homogeneous community compared to more mixed Queens neighborhoods. This is a high-need population serving families who face significant economic challenges, and the school's demographics closely mirror the surrounding neighborhood's composition.

Far Rockaway-Bayswater is a coastal Queens neighborhood with a moderate family presence and a safety score that ranks below the median. Transit options are limited (score of 24), making car ownership or careful bus planning important for families commuting outside the immediate area. The health environment score is excellent at 90, suggesting clean air and access to health resources. The median home value of $625,822 reflects a neighborhood that has seen development pressure, though only 29% of residents own homes. Education orientation scores just 41, indicating this isn't a neighborhood where schools are a primary driver of local identity.

The area has moderate walkability within the neighborhood, but limited transit options mean many families rely on cars or longer bus rides — something to factor in for daily pickup and drop-off