Serving 749 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 15:1 is higher than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Asian), which is higher than the New York state average of 61% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 749 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 71%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 1% in NY
- Math Proficiency: 98% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: 94% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 5%)
- Attendance Zone: PS 196 Grand Central Parkway serves an attendance area located in Forest Hills, NY, covering approximately 0.5 square miles. Families within this zone typically have a 5-10 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge being about 0.8 miles away.
- 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
School Overview
P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway's student population of 749 students has declined by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 49 teachers has declined by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
749 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
49 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
There's No Place Like Home
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 0.70, 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
#9 out of 4346 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
98%
52%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
94%
49%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
78%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
11:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
43%
10%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
16%
31%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Black
2%
15%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
White
29%
39%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
10%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)16.7%
34.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
22%
55%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Lions
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
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 Academy For Excellence Through The Arts, P.s. 101 School In The Gardens 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?
749 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, 29% of students are White, 16% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 2% 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 15:1, 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.
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
2 10/10/2025
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.
2 10/10/2025
Academics are great, teachers are experienced and my daughter likes the school.
4 10/10/2025
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.
Review P.s. 196 Grand Central Parkway. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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