Serving 410 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30-34% (which is lower than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25-29% (which is lower than the New York state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New York state average of 61% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 410 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 86%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NY
- Math Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 80-89% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: PS 171 Peter G Van Alst serves a compact attendance zone of approximately 0.2 square miles in Astoria, NY, where most families are within a 5 to 10-minute drive, and the furthest boundary is about 0.5 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
School Overview
P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst's student population of 410 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 45 teachers has grown by 36% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
410 students
Total Classroom Teachers
45 teachers
School Rankings
P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst ranks within the bottom 50% of all 4,346 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst is 0.66, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.73. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3647 out of 4346 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-89%
78%
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
12%
10%
Hispanic
52%
31%
Black
20%
15%
White
14%
39%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)69.3%
34.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
89%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst's ranking?
P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst is ranked #3647 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New York.
What schools are P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst often compared to?
P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alstis often viewed alongside schools like P.s. 17 Henry David Thoreau, P.s. 234 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while 25-29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
How many students attend P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst?
410 students attend P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst students are Hispanic, 20% of students are Black, 14% of students are White, 12% of students are Asian, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst?
P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst offer ?
P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst part of?
P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst is part of New York City Geographic District #30.
In what neighborhood is P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst located?
P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst is located in the Long Island City neighborhood of Astoria, NY. There are 6 other public schools located in Long Island City.
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