Very Good
#1202 of 4,739 schools in NY
Top 25% in state
PS 197 Ocean School (the)
Elementary School · NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #27
825 HICKSVILLE RD, Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Enrollment
403
Student-Teacher
13.9:1
Score
7.4
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
403
Student-Teacher
13.9:1
Score
7.4
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Far Rockaway
#3 of 16
public schools
New York elementary schools
#757 of 2,549
In district
#14 of 63
NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #27
Academic growth
9.3 / 10
Exceptional
About PS 197 Ocean School (the)
PS 197 Ocean School, located in Far Rockaway, Queens County, is a vibrant public elementary school serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. With an enrollment of 403 students and a student-teacher ratio of 13.9:1, PS 197 provides personalized attention to each child's learning needs. The dedicated teaching staff consists of 29 full-time equivalent teachers who work diligently to support their students' educational journey.
Academically, PS 197 has room for growth, as indicated by its MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 out of 10 and a state ranking of #2558 out of 4758 schools in New York (placing it at the 46th percentile). The school's academic score is 4.3/10, reflecting that about half of its students are proficient or above in both ELA and math. While PS 197 may be focusing on student development rather than stellar test scores, the school community remains committed to providing a solid educational foundation for its young learners.
The setting in Far Rockaway offers a bustling urban environment with plenty of resources and opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. PS 197 Ocean School is situated in a large city neighborhood where students can engage with diverse cultural experiences and community events, fostering a rich and comprehensive education experience.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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PS 197 Ocean School (the) — Students at PS 197 Ocean School (the) score 47% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
90.3%
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
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 9.3/10.
How PS 197 Ocean School (the) Compares
See how PS 197 Ocean School (the) performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 40% (2019) to 42% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 30% (2019) to 52% (2021).
Location
825 HICKSVILLE RD, Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering PS 197 Ocean School (the) may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. PS 43 (rated 8.2/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is WAVE PREPARATORY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.0/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, LAWRENCE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER AT #4 SCHOOL (rated 7.5/10, 1.1 miles away, in nearby Inwood), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Far Rockaway, see our Far Rockaway schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.0 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 11691 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$57,027
Median Home Value
$649,400
Median Rent
$1,444/mo
Population
68,704
College Educated
23.3%
Homeownership
28.9%
Avg Commute
45 min
Poverty Rate
20.8%
Median Age
36
Community Profile
The community surrounding PS 197 Ocean School (the) has a median household income of $57,027. It is a community where 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $649,400, with a median rent of $1,444/month. The area has a poverty rate of 20.8%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. 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 |
|---|---|
| AQUEBOGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Aquebogue, NY | 7.4 |
| BEMUS POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bemus Point, NY | 7.4 |
| CAMPBELL-SAVONA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Savona, NY | 7.4 |
| CANTIAGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jericho, NY | 7.4 |
| COLONIAL VILLAGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Niagara Falls, NY | 7.4 |
| COLUMBUS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Thornwood, NY | 7.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PS 197 Ocean School (the)
What grades does PS 197 Ocean School (the) serve?
PS 197 Ocean School (the) serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend PS 197 Ocean School (the)?
PS 197 Ocean School (the) has an enrollment of approximately 403 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at PS 197 Ocean School (the)?
The student-teacher ratio at PS 197 Ocean School (the) is 13.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does PS 197 Ocean School (the) rank in NY?
PS 197 Ocean School (the) is ranked #1202 out of 4,739 schools in NY.
What is PS 197 Ocean School (the)'s MySchoolScout rating?
PS 197 Ocean School (the) has a composite rating of 7.4 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 197 Ocean School (the)?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, PS 197 Ocean School (the) has 42.4% math proficiency and 46.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is PS 197 Ocean School (the) a charter school?
No, PS 197 Ocean School (the) is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is PS 197 Ocean School (the) a Title I school?
No, PS 197 Ocean School (the) is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for PS 197 Ocean School (the)?
90.3% of students at PS 197 Ocean School (the) qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 403
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 29
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 90.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Queens County
- Phone
- (718) 327-1083
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #27- District Enrollment
- 41,663
- Schools in District
- 63
- District Rank
- #14 of 63
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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- Charter Schools vs Public Schools: What the Data Actually Shows (2026)school choice
- Student-Teacher Ratio by State: Complete 2026 Rankingsdata insights
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