P.S. 045 Clarence Witherspoon

P.S. 045 Clarence Witherspoon is an elementary school in South Ozone Park, Queens, serving students from Pre-K through 5th grade. The school maintains a notably low suspension rate and offers small class sizes, contributing to a supportive learning environment. Official parent surveys indicate exceptionally high satisfaction with the school's safety, learning environment, and staff relationships. However, academic proficiency in both ELA and Math is a significant concern, with scores well below citywide averages. While some parents commend the principal and staff for fostering engaging activities like dance and art shows, others express concerns about bullying and school leadership. The school has recently completed roof renovations, allowing full use of playground spaces, and has been recognized for its community partnership in a food pantry program. It also focuses on social-emotional development and has increased its English as a New Language (ENL) staff to support its diverse student population.