Ps 186 Castlewood

Summary:

PS 186 Castlewood is an elementary school located in Bellerose, New York, serving grades PK-5 with a total enrollment of 333 students. The school is part of the New York City Geographic District #26, which is ranked 182 out of 865 districts in New York and has a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger.

PS 186 Castlewood consistently performs well on state assessments, with a significant percentage of students proficient or better in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math across grades 3-5. In the 2023-2024 school year, the school's ELA proficiency rates ranged from 59.57% (3rd grade) to 71.05% (4th grade), outperforming the New York City District #26 and statewide averages. Similarly, the school's Math proficiency rates ranged from 71.43% (3rd grade) to 82.05% (4th grade), again exceeding the district and state averages. The school also ranks highly for African American and Hispanic students, as well as for students with special needs and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

When compared to other nearby elementary schools within the same district, such as James J. Ambrose School and PS 221 North Hills School, PS 186 Castlewood generally outperforms its peers on state assessments, particularly in Math. The school's high per-student spending of $40,325 and low student-teacher ratio of around 6.1 students per teacher in the 2022-2023 school year likely contribute to its strong academic outcomes and comprehensive educational programs.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 252-12 72nd Ave
       Bellerose, NY  11426-2799


(718) 831-4021

District: New York City Geographic District #26

SchoolDigger Rank:
299th of 2,445 New York Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $40,325 Help


Students who attend Ps 186 Castlewood usually attend:

High:    Martin Van Buren High School

Student/teacher ratio:  6.0 Help
Number of students:  346

Racial breakdown:

Asian:
44.8%
Hispanic:
21.4%
White:
18.5%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  48.8% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Ps 186 Castlewood ranks better than 87.8% of elementary schools in New York. It also ranks 13th among 22 ranked elementary schools in the New York City Geographic District #26. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 85.68. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Student population at Ps 186 Castlewood is diverse. Racial makeup is: Asian (44.8%), Hispanic (21.4%), White (18.5%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 48.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Ps 186 Castlewood is 6, which is the lowest among 23 elementary schools in the New York City Geographic District #26! (See more...)
Help
Compare Ps 186 Castlewood employs 57 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Ps 186 Castlewood is $40,325, which is the highest among 23 elementary schools in the New York City Geographic District #26!
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Ps 186 Castlewood:

SchoolDigger ranks Ps 186 Castlewood 299th of 2445 New York public elementary schools. (See Ps 186 Castlewood in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Asian students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


New York City Geographic District #26:

SchoolDigger ranks New York City Geographic District #26 182nd of 865 New York school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Ps 186 Castlewood.

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Rank History for Ps 186 Castlewood

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Ps 186 Castlewood

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NY State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 78.12 396th 2206 82.0%
2007 82.15 246th 2219 88.9%
2008 84.07 137th 2227 93.8%
2009 80.00 277th 2257 87.7%
2010 76.31 480th 2263 78.8%
2011 86.92 165th 2286 92.8%
2012 84.62 230th 2320 90.1%
2013 86.92 217th 2325 90.7%
2014 91.18 120th 2345 94.9%
2015 89.23 163rd 2352 93.1%
2016 89.03 156th 2366 93.4%
2017 87.55 209th 2386 91.2%
2018 85.11 266th 2395 88.9%
2019 82.88 364th 2413 84.9%
2021 68.92 629th 2201 71.4%
2022 77.11 490th 2434 79.9%
2023 79.15 458th 2439 81.2%
2024 85.68 299th 2445 87.8%
See the entire list of New York Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at Ps 186 Castlewood

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NY State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 85.78 126th 1941 93.5%
2019 93.06 65th 1859 96.5%
2021 97.45 8th 1044 99.2%
2022 65.57 435th 2031 78.6%
2023 78.72 238th 2016 88.2%
2024 95.99 53rd 2110 97.5%
See the entire list of Best New York Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Ps 186 Castlewood

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NY State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 85.72 172nd 2045 91.6%
2019 90.30 137th 2032 93.3%
2021 86.66 121st 1678 92.8%
2022 80.81 252nd 2099 88.0%
2023 68.65 495th 2041 75.7%
2024 85.08 196th 2078 90.6%
See the entire list of Best New York Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Ps 186 Castlewood

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NY State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 82.75 292nd 2338 87.5%
2019 79.82 402nd 2357 82.9%
2021 58.58 776th 1955 60.3%
2022 64.88 770th 2401 67.9%
2023 72.56 588th 2403 75.5%
2024 83.50 319th 2413 86.8%
See the entire list of Best New York Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Ps 186 Castlewood

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NY State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 84.61 245th 2340 89.5%
2019 83.33 317th 2358 86.6%
2021 69.89 525th 1961 73.2%
2022 84.05 290th 2400 87.9%
2023 82.39 350th 2400 85.4%
2024 83.40 319th 2411 86.8%
See the entire list of Best New York Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Ps 186 Castlewood

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NY State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 65.55 213th 601 64.6%
2019 53.72 299th 548 45.4%
2021 42.55 296th 430 31.2%
2022 73.59 158th 671 76.5%
2023 66.65 211th 605 65.1%
2024 67.49 218th 662 67.1%
See the entire list of Best New York Elementary Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Ps 186 Castlewood

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NY State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 92.18 48th 948 94.9%
2019 84.45 104th 891 88.3%
2024 78.29 137th 927 85.2%
See the entire list of Best New York Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Ps 186 Castlewood

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NY State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 89.58 79th 1392 94.3%
2019 90.66 81st 1315 93.8%
2022 78.85 213th 1503 85.8%
2024 84.36 163rd 1531 89.4%
See the entire list of Best New York Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Ps 186 Castlewood

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NY State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 66.77 442nd 1408 68.6%
2019 71.50 370th 1338 72.3%
2022 40.85 865th 1399 38.2%
2023 34.63 919th 1337 31.3%
2024 53.27 645th 1392 53.7%
See the entire list of Best New York Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: NY State Education Department, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Ps 186 Castlewood Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: NY State Education Department

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Saturday, January 25, 2020

Open Quote Great school , staff is very informative to things concerning students. Tons of activities. Have our 3 girls enrolled in this school & we are extremely content. Close Quote


by a citizen
Sunday, April 5, 2015

Open Quote I am a 1976 graduate of The Castlewood School (PS 186). Wow, almost 40 years ago, I can hardly believe it. I credit this school and its staff for providing me with an exceptional education. This school was as close as you could ever get to a private education in a public setting. I believe that a good part of my success in life, to this day, is rooted in the outstanding basic education I was able to take away from this fine school. I am thrilled that the school has been able to maintain this level of education and compassion for the children of eastern Queens for all of these years. Please keep up the great work! The children that you are educating today will be very grateful adults tomorrow. Thank you! Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, June 12, 2014

Open Quote Castlewood is an amazing school. The principal, staff, and of course the teachers are all fantastic. The school cares so deeply for each and every student and they really take the time to get to know each child. The curriculum is great, the enrichments are so wonderful, and school trips are so much fun. The teachers truly put in the extra effort at this school which in turn creates some fabulous students who are really well rounded individuals. They teach curriculum but also values and that's important. I couldn't be happier with this school. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Ps 186 Castlewood

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 216 57 82 32 0 n/a n/a 0 387
1990 207 55 80 23 1 n/a n/a 0 366
1991 208 44 76 29 0 n/a n/a 0 357
1992 189 51 56 24 0 n/a n/a 0 320
1993 172 64 61 23 0 n/a n/a 0 320
1994 183 63 77 22 0 n/a n/a 0 345
1995 185 74 105 27 2 n/a n/a 0 393
1996 185 74 105 27 2 n/a n/a 0 393
1997 187 71 125 33 1 n/a n/a 0 417
1998 184 77 132 38 1 n/a n/a 0 432
1999 178 92 185 41 2 n/a n/a 0 498
2000 157 94 181 39 1 n/a n/a 0 472
2001 138 83 176 35 1 n/a n/a 0 433
2002 105 73 161 54 3 n/a n/a 0 396
2003 105 73 161 54 3 n/a n/a 0 396
2004 81 78 131 63 3 n/a n/a 0 356
2005 85 64 137 63 3 n/a n/a 0 352
2006 82 55 129 69 2 n/a n/a 0 337
2007 93 50 130 57 0 n/a n/a 0 330
2008 89 40 114 59 2 n/a n/a 0 304
2009 93 30 117 64 2 n/a n/a 0 306
2010 101 32 139 72 1 n/a n/a 0 345
2011 126 38 126 77 0 0 0 0 367
2012 124 46 117 82 0 0 0 0 369
2013 130 48 125 74 0 0 1 0 378
2014 126 45 115 75 1 0 3 0 365
2015 121 51 137 78 2 0 5 0 394
2016 111 51 131 81 5 0 7 0 386
2017 127 41 123 81 7 2 8 0 389
2018 112 50 130 75 9 2 6 0 384
2019 112 48 131 67 7 3 6 0 374
2020 103 44 135 75 7 3 5 0 372
2021 100 39 148 71 9 3 5 0 375
2022 98 33 152 72 7 2 7 0 371
2023 81 35 138 65 6 2 6 0 333
2024 64 35 155 74 4 3 11 0 346

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Ps 186 Castlewood

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 387 20.1 19.2 n/a
1990 366 19.1 19.1 n/a
1991 357 18.1 19.7 n/a
1992 320 13.1 24.4 n/a
1993 320 13.1 24.4 n/a
1994 345 15.4 22.4 n/a
1995 393 18.4 21.4 n/a
1996 393 18.4 21.4 n/a
1997 417 19.4 21.5 22.3
1998 432 22.2 19.5 19
1999 498 22.6 22.0 19.3
2000 472 24.6 19.2 29.2
2001 433 24.2 17.9 25.4
2002 396 n/a n/a n/a
2003 396 n/a n/a n/a
2004 356 n/a n/a n/a
2005 352 n/a n/a 0
2006 337 20.0 16.9 36.5
2007 330 31.5 10.5 32.4
2008 304 37.0 8.2 28.9
2009 306 43.0 7.1 0
2010 345 50.0 6.9 n/a
2011 367 60.0 6.1 24.5
2012 369 60.5 6.0 31.7
2013 378 56.7 6.6 33.1
2014 365 57.6 6.3 32.9
2015 394 64.0 6.1 34.3
2016 386 59.0 6.5 30.3
2017 389 56.4 6.8 33.7
2018 384 64.0 5.9 34.6
2019 374 63.0 5.9 34.5
2020 372 57.0 6.5 37.1
2021 375 54.0 6.9 33.6
2022 371 56.8 6.5 37.5
2023 333 54.0 6.1 38.1
2024 346 57.0 6.0 48.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Ps 186 Castlewood

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 387 20.1 19.2 n/a
1990 366 19.1 19.1 n/a
1991 357 18.1 19.7 n/a
1992 320 13.1 24.4 n/a
1993 320 13.1 24.4 n/a
1994 345 15.4 22.4 n/a
1995 393 18.4 21.4 n/a
1996 393 18.4 21.4 n/a
1997 417 19.4 21.5 22.3
1998 432 22.2 19.5 19
1999 498 22.6 22.0 19.3
2000 472 24.6 19.2 29.2
2001 433 24.2 17.9 25.4
2002 396 n/a n/a n/a
2003 396 n/a n/a n/a
2004 356 n/a n/a n/a
2005 352 n/a n/a 0
2006 337 20.0 16.9 36.5
2007 330 31.5 10.5 32.4
2008 304 37.0 8.2 28.9
2009 306 43.0 7.1 0
2010 345 50.0 6.9 n/a
2011 367 60.0 6.1 24.5
2012 369 60.5 6.0 31.7
2013 378 56.7 6.6 33.1
2014 365 57.6 6.3 32.9
2015 394 64.0 6.1 34.3
2016 386 59.0 6.5 30.3
2017 389 56.4 6.8 33.7
2018 384 64.0 5.9 34.6
2019 374 63.0 5.9 34.5
2020 372 57.0 6.5 37.1
2021 375 54.0 6.9 33.6
2022 371 56.8 6.5 37.5
2023 333 54.0 6.1 38.1
2024 346 57.0 6.0 48.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Immunization Rates

Ps 186 Castlewood

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Compare
YearCompletely Immunized
201597.2%

Data source: New York State Department of Health
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Ps 186 Castlewood

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $94 (0.3%) $31,912 (99.7%) $32,007
2020 $255 (0.8%) $31,651 (99.2%) $31,906
2021 $343 (1.1%) $32,139 (98.9%) $32,482
2022 $914 (2.5%) $35,335 (97.5%) $36,249
2023 $314 (0.8%) $40,011 (99.2%) $40,325

Data source: New York Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Ps 186 Castlewood

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 364th of 2413 Elementary schoolsRanks 458th of 2439 Elementary schools
 3.7%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Ps 186 Castlewood)8071.8
 8.2%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (New York City Geographic District #26)7870
 8%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (New York)5244.9
 7.1%
3rd Grade Math (Ps 186 Castlewood)8274.4
 7.6%
   3rd Grade Math (New York City Geographic District #26)8081
 1%
   3rd Grade Math (New York)5453.7
 0.3%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Ps 186 Castlewood)7579.1
 4.1%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (New York City Geographic District #26)7475.5
 1.5%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (New York)4848.8
 0.8%
4th Grade Math (Ps 186 Castlewood)6176.7
 15.7%
   4th Grade Math (New York City Geographic District #26)7980.1
 1.1%
   4th Grade Math (New York)5053.9
 3.8%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Ps 186 Castlewood)5943.6
 15.4%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (New York City Geographic District #26)6673.1
 7.1%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (New York)3845.1
 7.1%
5th Grade Math (Ps 186 Castlewood)5863.2
 5.2%
   5th Grade Math (New York City Geographic District #26)7679.5
 3.5%
   5th Grade Math (New York)4649.7
 3.7%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students374333
 11%
African American4835
 27.1%
American Indian76
 14.3%
Asian131138
 5.3%
Hispanic6765
 3%
Pacific Islander32
 33.3%
White11281
 27.7%
Two or More Races66
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients34.5%38.1%
 3.6%


Schools Near Ps 186 Castlewood









Frequently Asked Questions about Ps 186 Castlewood

In the 2023-24 school year, 346 students attended Ps 186 Castlewood.

Students at Ps 186 Castlewood are 45% Asian, 21% Hispanic, 18% White, 10% African American, 3% Two or more races, 1% American Indian.

Students who attend Ps 186 Castlewood usually go on to attend:

High : Martin Van Buren High School

Ps 186 Castlewood ranks 299th of 2445 New York elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau, the WNYC and the New York State Department of Health and the NY State Education Department.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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