Ps 234

Summary:

PS 234 is an exceptional elementary school located in Astoria, New York, serving 380 students in grades PK-5. As part of the New York City Geographic District #30, PS 234 consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in the state, with a statewide ranking between 135-569 out of over 2,400 schools in recent years.

The school's academic performance is particularly impressive, with students significantly outperforming their peers at the district and state levels on state assessments. For example, in 2023-2024, 92.31% of 4th graders at PS 234 were proficient or better in ELA, compared to just 54.95% in the district and 47.05% statewide. PS 234 also excels in serving specific student subgroups, such as English Language Learners and Special Education students, ranking among the top 5-10% of schools in the state for these populations. Despite serving a high proportion of economically disadvantaged students, with 72-82% qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, PS 234 is able to achieve exceptional results, suggesting the school has effective strategies and resources in place to support the diverse needs of its student population.

Compared to nearby schools in the same district, such as PS 70, PS 85 Judge Charles Vallone, and PS 166 Henry Gradstein, PS 234 consistently outperforms these schools on state assessments, particularly in ELA and Math. This may be attributed to the higher per-student spending and lower student-teacher ratio at PS 234, which likely contribute to its superior academic outcomes.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 30-15 29th St
       Astoria, NY  11102


(718) 956-2760

District: New York City Geographic District #30

SchoolDigger Rank:
533rd of 2,445 New York Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $22,915 Help


Students who attend Ps 234 usually attend:

Middle:    Albert Shanker School For Visual And Performing Arts
High:    Long Island City High School

Student/teacher ratio:  12.8 Help
Number of students:  380

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
38.9%
White:
33.4%
Asian:
16.8%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  72.9% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Ps 234 ranks better than 78.2% of elementary schools in New York. It also ranks 11th among 29 ranked elementary schools in the New York City Geographic District #30. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 75.13. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Student population at Ps 234 is diverse. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (38.9%), White (33.4%), Asian (16.8%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 72.9% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Ps 234 is 12.8, which is the 11th best among 29 elementary schools in the New York City Geographic District #30. (See more...)
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Compare Ps 234 employs 29.5 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Ps 234 is $22,915, which is the 5th highest among 29 elementary schools in the New York City Geographic District #30.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Ps 234:

SchoolDigger ranks Ps 234 533rd of 2445 New York public elementary schools. (See Ps 234 in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Asian students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


New York City Geographic District #30:

SchoolDigger ranks New York City Geographic District #30 415th of 865 New York school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Ps 234.

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Rank History for Ps 234

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Ps 234

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NY State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 54.93 1236th 2206 44.0%
2007 48.95 1374th 2219 38.1%
2008 42.19 1531st 2227 31.3%
2009 49.47 1410th 2257 37.5%
2010 67.03 784th 2263 65.4%
2011 63.58 897th 2286 60.8%
2012 59.45 1050th 2320 54.7%
2013 51.68 1062nd 2325 54.3%
2014 57.39 967th 2345 58.8%
2015 50.55 1141st 2352 51.5%
2016 47.43 1253rd 2366 47.0%
2017 41.06 1419th 2386 40.5%
2018 71.55 622nd 2395 74.0%
2019 85.33 301st 2413 87.5%
2021 78.85 390th 2201 82.3%
2022 73.61 569th 2434 76.6%
2023 93.66 135th 2439 94.5%
2024 75.13 533rd 2445 78.2%
See the entire list of New York Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Ps 234

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NY State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 75.69 94th 938 90.0%
2019 94.64 14th 860 98.4%
2022 75.66 143rd 1027 86.1%
2023 95.97 19th 1001 98.1%
2024 82.58 63rd 1066 94.1%
See the entire list of Best New York Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Ps 234

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NY State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 86.90 110th 1941 94.3%
2019 97.47 42nd 1859 97.7%
2022 90.81 80th 2031 96.1%
2023 99.83 8th 2016 99.6%
2024 90.97 102nd 2110 95.2%
See the entire list of Best New York Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Ps 234

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NY State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 79.26 277th 2045 86.5%
2019 88.96 167th 2032 91.8%
2022 75.62 351st 2099 83.3%
2023 97.04 48th 2041 97.6%
2024 79.64 277th 2078 86.7%
See the entire list of Best New York Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Homeless students at Ps 234

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NY State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 70.33 138th 730 81.1%
See the entire list of Best New York Elementary Schools for Homeless Students!

Rank History for Female students at Ps 234

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NY State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 65.60 773rd 2338 66.9%
2019 85.46 278th 2357 88.2%
2021 81.06 278th 1955 85.8%
2022 72.59 575th 2401 76.1%
2023 91.36 171st 2403 92.9%
2024 75.57 498th 2413 79.4%
See the entire list of Best New York Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Ps 234

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NY State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 75.06 500th 2340 78.6%
2019 82.99 323rd 2358 86.3%
2021 66.75 596th 1961 69.6%
2022 72.33 570th 2400 76.3%
2023 94.24 89th 2400 96.3%
2024 72.32 558th 2411 76.9%
See the entire list of Best New York Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Ps 234

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NY State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 39.06 427th 601 29.0%
2019 75.86 111th 548 79.7%
2024 68.72 207th 662 68.7%
See the entire list of Best New York Elementary Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Ps 234

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NY State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 77.96 215th 1392 84.6%
2019 83.66 148th 1315 88.7%
2021 73.84 147th 818 82.0%
2022 74.05 270th 1503 82.0%
2023 94.90 47th 1429 96.7%
2024 79.64 218th 1531 85.8%
See the entire list of Best New York Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Ps 234

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NY State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 59.13 574th 1408 59.2%
2019 84.11 168th 1338 87.4%
2022 65.31 468th 1399 66.5%
2023 83.38 176th 1337 86.8%
2024 61.65 510th 1392 63.4%
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 234 Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: NY State Education Department

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.3)
75%

0%

0%

25%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Sunday, March 12, 2017

Open Quote This school is an epitome of mediocracy. Great facilities that are underutilized and teachers that strive to do bare minimum when it comes to academic achievements. I was hopeful hearing about the arts program, but so far haven't seen anything impressive, but rather subpar efforts to just register activity for funding. Bright kids are bored, and ultimately forced to go down to the lower expectations and level of achievement that won't make the kids at the bottom feel bad. No after school programs, and overzealous PTA consisting of stay at home self-centered bored moms. Too bad that this school, that is located at the heart of Astoria, where a lot of young families hope to give a strong start to their kids' education, has to disappoint so much. Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Open Quote I cannot tell you enough what a wonderful school this is. We have a new Principal (Dora Danner) as of 2014 and she has made such amazing changes and upgrades to our school. The school just became a "Performing Arts & Technology" school which allows the children to have a great balance between academics and creative learning. No bullying issues, the kids are respectful to one another, always smiling and happy. Parents are very involved, because they want to be and school staff welcomes it whole heartily. We have a loving community between parents and school staff and the kids feed off of this positive uplifting behavior, which makes their experience all the better. I know there was some issues with the prior principal (Pallos) which my child was not there for much, but now that it all under the bridge. Between all of the new programs: Dance, cooking classes, theater, art, google classes to teach kids how to do graphics and design, yoga etc., and the FREE workshops offered to the parents, this school is a gem. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Ps 234

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2004 159 50 204 282 3 n/a n/a 0 698
2005 149 40 199 286 14 n/a n/a 0 688
2006 167 35 199 278 10 n/a n/a 0 689
2007 184 31 192 290 0 n/a n/a 0 697
2008 175 33 181 304 0 n/a n/a 0 693
2009 174 34 178 304 0 n/a n/a 0 690
2010 174 20 187 307 0 n/a n/a 0 688
2011 194 36 162 295 12 0 0 0 699
2012 177 31 139 311 23 1 0 0 682
2013 198 27 173 272 12 1 4 0 687
2014 192 25 158 248 10 0 2 0 635
2015 187 25 153 248 5 0 3 0 621
2016 186 33 145 230 5 0 2 0 601
2017 175 33 132 210 2 2 4 0 558
2018 154 34 125 195 4 0 4 0 516
2019 146 32 112 188 4 0 3 0 485
2020 143 39 88 174 5 1 6 0 456
2021 121 38 71 167 5 0 5 0 407
2022 124 34 60 157 6 0 11 0 392
2023 127 25 64 148 4 0 12 0 380

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 234

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2004 698 n/a n/a n/a
2005 688 n/a n/a 0
2006 689 52.0 13.3 90.7
2007 697 50.8 13.7 91
2008 693 56.0 12.4 88
2009 690 55.0 12.5 84.1
2010 688 51.0 13.4 n/a
2011 699 48.2 14.4 84
2012 682 44.0 15.4 85.6
2013 687 37.0 18.5 83.8
2014 635 39.0 16.2 79.8
2015 621 36.0 17.2 82.9
2016 601 40.0 15.0 84
2017 558 36.8 15.1 83.2
2018 516 36.0 14.3 82.6
2019 485 35.0 13.8 78.8
2020 456 30.0 15.2 77.2
2021 407 31.3 12.9 82.1
2022 392 25.2 15.5 74
2023 380 29.5 12.8 72.9

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 234

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2004 698 n/a n/a n/a
2005 688 n/a n/a 0
2006 689 52.0 13.3 90.7
2007 697 50.8 13.7 91
2008 693 56.0 12.4 88
2009 690 55.0 12.5 84.1
2010 688 51.0 13.4 n/a
2011 699 48.2 14.4 84
2012 682 44.0 15.4 85.6
2013 687 37.0 18.5 83.8
2014 635 39.0 16.2 79.8
2015 621 36.0 17.2 82.9
2016 601 40.0 15.0 84
2017 558 36.8 15.1 83.2
2018 516 36.0 14.3 82.6
2019 485 35.0 13.8 78.8
2020 456 30.0 15.2 77.2
2021 407 31.3 12.9 82.1
2022 392 25.2 15.5 74
2023 380 29.5 12.8 72.9

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 234

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Compare
YearCompletely Immunized
201598.6%

Data source: New York State Department of Health
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Ps 234

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $966 (5.4%) $17,006 (94.6%) $17,972
2020 $917 (4.9%) $17,620 (95.1%) $18,536
2021 $1,465 (7.4%) $18,370 (92.6%) $19,835
2022 $2,168 (10.0%) $19,617 (90.0%) $21,785
2023 $1,739 (7.6%) $21,177 (92.4%) $22,915

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Ps 234

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 301st of 2413 Elementary schoolsRanks 135th of 2439 Elementary schools
 6.9%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Ps 234)6981.1
 12.1%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (New York City Geographic District #30)5851.7
 6.3%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (New York)5244.9
 7.1%
3rd Grade Math (Ps 234)6192.9
 31.9%
   3rd Grade Math (New York City Geographic District #30)5859.7
 1.7%
   3rd Grade Math (New York)5453.7
 0.3%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Ps 234)8787.8
 0.8%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (New York City Geographic District #30)5461.8
 7.8%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (New York)4848.8
 0.8%
4th Grade Math (Ps 234)8675.5
 10.5%
   4th Grade Math (New York City Geographic District #30)5456.3
 2.3%
   4th Grade Math (New York)5053.9
 3.8%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Ps 234)6990.2
 21.2%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (New York City Geographic District #30)4658.3
 12.3%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (New York)3845.1
 7.1%
5th Grade Math (Ps 234)6878.6
 10.6%
   5th Grade Math (New York City Geographic District #30)5355.3
 2.3%
   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 Students485380
 21.6%
African American3225
 21.9%
American Indian44
Asian11264
 42.9%
Hispanic188148
 21.3%
Pacific Islander00
White146127
 13%
Two or More Races312
 300%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients78.8%72.9%
 5.9%


Schools Near Ps 234









Frequently Asked Questions about Ps 234

Students at Ps 234 are 39% Hispanic, 33% White, 17% Asian, 7% African American, 3% Two or more races, 1% American Indian.

Ps 234 ranks 533rd of 2445 New York elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

In the 2022-23 school year, 380 students attended Ps 234.


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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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