P.S. 186 Castlewood

P.S. 186 Castlewood is an elementary school serving students from 3-K through 5th grade, known for its warm, inclusive atmosphere and strong academic performance. Located in a neighborhood of garden apartments near the Queens County Farm Museum, the school offers a suburban feel within the city. Students consistently achieve high proficiency rates in both English Language Arts (75%) and Math (82%), placing the school well above citywide medians and among the top performers in New York elementary schools. The school is particularly effective in supporting students with disabilities, who also show strong academic outcomes. Parents express overwhelmingly positive sentiment, with survey results indicating high satisfaction with their child's education and strong relationships with staff. The faculty is highly experienced, with most teachers having over a decade of service, contributing to a supportive learning environment. P.S. 186 offers a variety of enriching programs, including full-time theatre, art, music, and technology, alongside clubs like STEM, Robotics, Digital Animation, and the "Castlewood Players" afterschool theater program. The school also features an Autism Nest program, providing specialized support for students with autism in integrated co-teaching classes.