Average
#2057 of 4,739 schools in NY
Top 43% in state
PS 86
Elementary School · NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #28
87-41 PARSONS BLVD, Jamaica, NY 11432
Enrollment
685
Student-Teacher
17.1:1
Score
6.7
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
685
Student-Teacher
17.1:1
Score
6.7
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Jamaica
#22 of 48
public schools
New York elementary schools
#1,181 of 2,549
In district
#30 of 50
NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #28
Academic growth
8.3 / 10
Very strong
About PS 86
PS 86 is an elementary school located in Jamaica, Queens County, at the heart of New York City. Serving PK through fifth grade students, PS 86 has a total enrollment of 685 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17.1:1, which allows for more individualized attention. With 40 full-time equivalent teachers, the school is well-staffed to support its diverse student body.
Academically, PS 86 ranks in the 53rd percentile among New York state schools and has a MySchoolScout rating of 5.7 out of 10, indicating there's room for improvement but also potential for growth. The school’s proficiency rates in both ELA/Reading and Math stand at 54% each, reflecting areas where focused efforts could enhance student performance. PS 86 is situated in a bustling urban environment with numerous cultural and educational resources within reach.
Its setting offers students the opportunity to engage with the vibrant community of Jamaica while benefiting from citywide programs and activities.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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PS 86 — Students at PS 86 score 57% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
81.5%
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: 8.3/10.
How PS 86 Compares
See how PS 86 performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 54% (2019) to 57% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 47% (2019) to 57% (2021).
Location
87-41 PARSONS BLVD, Jamaica, NY 11432
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering PS 86 may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. PS 117 J KELD/BRIARWOOD SCHOOL (rated 8.2/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is PS 182 SAMANTHA SMITH (rated 8.0/10, 0.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, PS 82 HAMMOND (rated 7.9/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Jamaica, see our Jamaica schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 0.6 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 11432 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$75,395
Median Home Value
$826,100
Median Rent
$1,841/mo
Population
63,730
College Educated
35.7%
Homeownership
37%
Avg Commute
43.5 min
Poverty Rate
15.2%
Median Age
39.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding PS 86 has a median household income of $75,395. It is an area where 36% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $826,100, with a median rent of $1,841/month. The area has a poverty rate of 15.2%. The average commute in the area is 44 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 |
|---|---|
| BEDFORD ROAD SCHOOL Pleasantville, NY | 6.7 |
| BELLAIRE SCHOOL (THE) Queens Village, NY | 6.7 |
| BROOKHAVEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Brookhaven, NY | 6.7 |
| BYRON-BERGEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bergen, NY | 6.7 |
| CLINTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Clinton, NY | 6.7 |
| COHEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Elmira Heights, NY | 6.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PS 86
What grades does PS 86 serve?
PS 86 serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend PS 86?
PS 86 has an enrollment of approximately 685 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at PS 86?
The student-teacher ratio at PS 86 is 17.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does PS 86 rank in NY?
PS 86 is ranked #2057 out of 4,739 schools in NY.
What is PS 86's MySchoolScout rating?
PS 86 has a composite rating of 6.7 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 86?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, PS 86 has 54.2% math proficiency and 54.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is PS 86 a charter school?
No, PS 86 is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is PS 86 a Title I school?
No, PS 86 is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for PS 86?
81.5% of students at PS 86 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
- 685
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 40
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 81.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Queens County
- Phone
- (718) 291-6264
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #28- District Enrollment
- 38,052
- Schools in District
- 50
- District Rank
- #30 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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- 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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