Average
#2403 of 4,739 schools in NY
PS 196 Grand Central Parkway
Elementary School · NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #28
71-25 113TH ST, Forest Hills, NY 11375
Enrollment
794
Student-Teacher
16.5:1
Score
6.4
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
794
Student-Teacher
16.5:1
Score
6.4
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Forest Hills
#9 of 10
public schools
New York elementary schools
#1,355 of 2,549
In district
#35 of 50
NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #28
Academic performance
9.3 / 10
Exceptional
About PS 196 Grand Central Parkway
PS 196 Grand Central Parkway stands as one of New York's top-performing elementary schools, serving 794 students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Forest Hills. With an impressive MySchoolScout rating of 8.3 out of 10 and ranking #296 out of 4,758 schools statewide, this regular public school places in the 94th percentile across New York. The school demonstrates exceptional academic achievement, with 92% of students performing at proficient or above levels in English Language Arts and 90% reaching proficiency in mathematics.
These outstanding results reflect the dedication of 48 full-time equivalent teachers who maintain a manageable student-teacher ratio of 16.5 to 1, allowing for more individualized attention. Students benefit from the school's location in an affluent, education-focused community where 62% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher. The neighborhood's median household income of $103,995 and low poverty rate of 6.8% create a supportive environment for learning.
Families in the area demonstrate strong investment in education, with median home values reaching $559,400. PS 196 Grand Central Parkway serves the diverse Forest Hills community in Queens, where nearly 75,000 residents enjoy the benefits of urban amenities while maintaining a strong neighborhood feel within New York City.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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PS 196 Grand Central Parkway — Students at PS 196 Grand Central Parkway score 91% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 68%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
23.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NY NYSED (2020-21)
Based on 10 test records from NY state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 6.3/10.
How PS 196 Grand Central Parkway Compares
See how PS 196 Grand Central Parkway performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 97% (2019) to 90% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 90% (2019) to 92% (2021).
Location
71-25 113TH ST, Forest Hills, NY 11375
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering PS 196 Grand Central Parkway may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. PS 144 COL JEROMUS REMSEN (rated 7.9/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is PS 101 SCHOOL IN THE GARDENS (rated 7.8/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, PS 99 KEW GARDENS (rated 7.8/10, 0.9 miles away, in nearby Kew Gardens), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Forest Hills, see our Forest Hills schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.0 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 11375 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$104,319
Median Home Value
$572,800
Median Rent
$2,126/mo
Population
75,320
College Educated
60.6%
Homeownership
51.8%
Avg Commute
45.2 min
Poverty Rate
7.9%
Median Age
44.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding PS 196 Grand Central Parkway has a median household income of $104,319. It is a well-educated community where 61% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $572,800, with a median rent of $2,126/month. The local poverty rate of 7.9% is relatively low. 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 |
|---|---|
| 30TH AVENUE SCHOOL (THE) (G & T CITYWIDE) Astoria, NY | 6.4 |
| BET YAAKOV ATERET TORAH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Brooklyn, NY | 6.4 |
| DREAM CHARTER SCHOOL MOTT HAVEN Bronx, NY | 6.4 |
| FAMILY SCHOOL 32 Yonkers, NY | 6.4 |
| JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL New Rochelle, NY | 6.4 |
| LAWRENCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AT BROADWAY CAMPUS Lawrence, NY | 6.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PS 196 Grand Central Parkway
What grades does PS 196 Grand Central Parkway serve?
PS 196 Grand Central Parkway serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend PS 196 Grand Central Parkway?
PS 196 Grand Central Parkway has an enrollment of approximately 794 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at PS 196 Grand Central Parkway?
The student-teacher ratio at PS 196 Grand Central Parkway is 16.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does PS 196 Grand Central Parkway rank in NY?
PS 196 Grand Central Parkway is ranked #2403 out of 4,739 schools in NY.
What is PS 196 Grand Central Parkway's MySchoolScout rating?
PS 196 Grand Central Parkway has a composite rating of 6.4 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 196 Grand Central Parkway?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, PS 196 Grand Central Parkway has 91.6% math proficiency and 91.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is PS 196 Grand Central Parkway a charter school?
No, PS 196 Grand Central Parkway is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is PS 196 Grand Central Parkway a Title I school?
No, PS 196 Grand Central Parkway is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for PS 196 Grand Central Parkway?
23.2% of students at PS 196 Grand Central Parkway qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 794
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 48
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 23.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Queens County
- Phone
- (718) 263-9770
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #28- District Enrollment
- 38,052
- Schools in District
- 50
- District Rank
- #35 of 50
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
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