Serving 794 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway ranks in the top 1% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 98% (which is higher than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 94% (which is higher than the New York state average of 49%).
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Asian), which is higher than the New York state average of 60% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 794 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 69%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 1% in NY
- Math Proficiency: 98% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: 94% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway's student population of 794 students has declined by 22% over five school years.
The teacher population of 48 teachers has declined by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
794 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
48 teachers
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Last Day of School
Fri. Jun 26, 2026
School Motto
There's No Place Like Home
School Mascot
Lions
School Rankings
P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway ranks within the top 1% of all 4,346 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway is 0.69, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#9 out of 4346 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
98%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
94%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
78%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
43%
10%
Hispanic
16%
30%
Black
1%
16%
White
31%
40%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
22%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Lions
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway's ranking?
P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway is ranked #9 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the top 1% of public schools in New York.
What schools are P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway often compared to?
P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkwayis often viewed alongside schools like P.s. 101 School In The Gardens, Academy For Excellence Through The Arts by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
98% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while 94% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
How many students attend P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway?
794 students attend P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
43% of P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway students are Asian, 31% of students are White, 16% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway?
P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway offer ?
P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway part of?
P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway is part of New York City Geographic District #28 School District.
In what neighborhood is P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway located?
P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway is located in the Flushing neighborhood of Forest Hills, NY.
School Reviews
4 12/13/2024
I am a former student of Ps196. the environment is great, but being sanitary needs work. Overall everything is great; I would recommend giving this school a try.
2 4/1/2021
Academics are great, teachers are experienced and my daughter likes the school.
2 6/9/2020
Don't believe the hype about the school. It's not about learning. It's teaching to the test. It's the same reading assignment, the same math assignment for all the 5th graders. The kids at the top are bored. The kids at the bottom need tutoring. The school doesn't care. The teacher doesn't care. In fact, the teacher said, this is the 5th grade curriculum and we are all doing the same thing. How is that teaching? How is that helping any student who isn't average to learn? On the plus side, the parents' association is great.
Review P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
