Valence College Preparatory Charter School

Valence is posting the highest math proficiency in District 28 at 70.2% — well above the district average of 63% — and ELA isn't far behind at 67.9%. The three-year trajectory is the real story: math jumped from 48% in 2022 to 70% this year, a 22-point gain that reflects sustained instructional focus. Grade 8 math is particularly strong at 83%. Compared to peer schools like P.S. 196 (97/100) and The Academy for Excellence through the Arts (95/100), Valence's raw test scores hold their own despite serving a higher-need population.

The survey data tells a nuanced story. Parents are highly satisfied (93%) with exceptional trust in both teachers (95%) and the principal (95%) — that trio of numbers is rare and meaningful. Teachers rate instruction quality at 94%, well above the district average. But there's a tension: teacher collegial trust sits at only 68%, and there are only 34 teacher survey responses (low response rate can skew results). Chronic absenteeism at 77.5% is high — well above typical benchmarks — though daily attendance of 93.5% shows kids who are enrolled are showing up. Teacher-reported safety at 93% is solid.

Valence is a minority-majority school in a different way than most: 93% of students are Hispanic, while the neighborhood is more economically diverse with 53% of adults holding bachelor's degrees and 44% homeowners. The economic need index of 86.6% is among the highest in the district — this is a school serving families facing significant financial challenges. At 346 students across four grades, it's small enough that teachers know kids by name. The diversity index of 18% is low because the student body is overwhelmingly Hispanic, which also means limited peer diversity.

Rego Park is a dense, transit-accessible Queens neighborhood with a 62.84 family density score and strong education orientation (69.73). Median household income of $84K and homeownership at 44% suggest a stable, middle-class pocket — though 11.1% poverty rate indicates some economic struggle exists. The area scores well on health environment (77.39) but only 44.44 on safety, and PM2.5 air quality and asthma rates warrant awareness. Families will find good transit options and neighborhood restaurants and shops.

Rego Park is highly walkable with good subway access — families without cars can manage the commute, though the chronic absenteeism rate suggests some families do face logistical challenges getting kids to school consistently