Skip to main content

Below Average

#4384 of 4,739 schools in NY

PS 161 Arthur Ashe School

Elementary School · NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #28

101-33 124TH ST, Jamaica, NY 11419

Enrollment

566

Student-Teacher

16.2:1

Score

4.1

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Jamaica

#46 of 48

public schools

New York elementary schools

#2,301 of 2,549

In district

#47 of 50

NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #28

About PS 161 Arthur Ashe School

PS 161 Arthur Ashe School is a vibrant elementary school located in Jamaica, Queens. With an enrollment of 566 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16.2:1, the school offers personalized attention to support learning and development from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. The dedicated teaching staff includes 35 full-time equivalent teachers who work diligently to help each child reach their potential.

According to MySchoolScout’s rating system, PS 161 ranks in the bottom quarter of New York state schools, with a score of 4.1 out of 10 and an academic performance ranking of #3498 out of 4758 schools statewide (26th percentile). In terms of proficiency scores, 57% of students are proficient or above in English Language Arts/Reading, while 48% meet the standards for math. These figures suggest that there is room for academic growth and improvement.

PS 161 Arthur Ashe School sits in a bustling city neighborhood where it plays an integral role in the community’s educational landscape.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.5Fair50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-5.94 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2021
TrendDeclining
Academics6.3Above Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency44.5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency54.5%
Math vs. State Avg-9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-6.4 pts
Overall Proficiency50%
Expected (poverty-adj.)47%
vs. Expected+2.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile47th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment2.3Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.2:1

PS 161 Arthur Ashe School — Students at PS 161 Arthur Ashe School score 50% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

83.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NY NYSED (2020-21)

Math Proficiency 47.7%
School
State
48.1%
ELA Proficiency 57.3%
School
State
57.0%

Based on 10 test records from NY state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
64%
ELA
60%
2021*
Math
43.6%
ELA
56.6%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.5/10.

How PS 161 Arthur Ashe School Compares

See how PS 161 Arthur Ashe School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.1/10
8th percentile in NY
Academic
6.3/10
6.3/10
Growth
3.5/10
Below average
Environment
2.3/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
84%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
35 teachers

Location

101-33 124TH ST, Jamaica, NY 11419

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering PS 161 Arthur Ashe School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. PS 50 TALFOURD LAWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.5/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is PS 121 (rated 7.9/10, 0.5 miles away, in nearby South Ozone Park), which scores notably higher. Additionally, PS 82 HAMMOND (rated 7.9/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Jamaica, see our Jamaica schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.1 mi
School Distance Rating
PS 55 MAURE Richmond Hill 0.3 mi 7.4
EPIC HIGH SCHOOL - NORTH South Richmond Hill 0.5 mi 6.2
PS 121 South Ozone Park 0.5 mi 7.9
PS 100 GLEN MORRIS South Ozone Park 0.7 mi 4.9
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CATHOLIC ACADEMY South Ozone Park 0.8 mi 5.4
AL-IMAN SCHOOL Jamaica 0.8 mi 6.3
PS 54 HILLSIDE Richmond Hill 0.9 mi 3.6
PS 51 Richmond Hill 0.8 mi 5.8
RICHMOND HILL HIGH SCHOOL Richmond Hill 0.7 mi 6.2
TIEGERMAN HIGH SCHOOL Richmond Hill 1.0 mi 8.0
PS 62 CHESTER PARK SCHOOL South Richmond Hill 0.8 mi 7.0
PS 50 TALFOURD LAWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jamaica 0.8 mi 8.5
PS 108 CAPTAIN VINCENT G FOWLER South Ozone Park 0.9 mi 6.6
YESHIVAT OHR HAIIM Richmond Hill 1.0 mi 7.0
PS 155 South Ozone Park 1.0 mi 5.5
JHS 226 VIRGIL I GRISSON South Ozone Park 1.1 mi 6.7
HAWTREE CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL South Ozone Park 1.1 mi 6.2
EPIC HIGH SCHOOL-SOUTH South Ozone Park 1.1 mi 5.5
PS 82 HAMMOND Jamaica 1.0 mi 7.9
TIEFERES TORAH INSTITUTE Kew Gardens 1.1 mi 6.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 11419 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$91,231

Median Home Value

$678,800

Median Rent

$1,920/mo

Population

46,938

College Educated

20.7%

Homeownership

61.9%

Avg Commute

45.1 min

Poverty Rate

11.6%

Median Age

42.2

Community Profile

The community surrounding PS 161 Arthur Ashe School has a median household income of $91,231. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $678,800, with a median rent of $1,920/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.6%. The average commute in the area is 45 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
BROOKLYN SCHOLARS CHARTER SCHOOL Brooklyn, NY 4.1
BUCKMAN HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Rochester, NY 4.1
BUFFALO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY Buffalo, NY 4.1
CANAL VIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Spencerport, NY 4.1
CENTENNIAL AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Roosevelt, NY 4.1
CLYDE-SAVANNAH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Clyde, NY 4.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about PS 161 Arthur Ashe School

What grades does PS 161 Arthur Ashe School serve?

PS 161 Arthur Ashe School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend PS 161 Arthur Ashe School?

PS 161 Arthur Ashe School has an enrollment of approximately 566 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at PS 161 Arthur Ashe School?

The student-teacher ratio at PS 161 Arthur Ashe School is 16.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does PS 161 Arthur Ashe School rank in NY?

PS 161 Arthur Ashe School is ranked #4384 out of 4,739 schools in NY.

What is PS 161 Arthur Ashe School's MySchoolScout rating?

PS 161 Arthur Ashe School has a composite rating of 4.1 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at PS 161 Arthur Ashe School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, PS 161 Arthur Ashe School has 47.7% math proficiency and 57.3% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is PS 161 Arthur Ashe School a charter school?

No, PS 161 Arthur Ashe School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is PS 161 Arthur Ashe School a Title I school?

No, PS 161 Arthur Ashe School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for PS 161 Arthur Ashe School?

83.6% of students at PS 161 Arthur Ashe School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
566
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
35
Free/Reduced Lunch
83.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Queens County
Data Year
2023–2024

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.