Lighthouse Elementary School

Lighthouse Elementary School, located in Far Rockaway, Queens, serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade. It is a small community school with an enrollment of approximately 146 students. While state test scores indicate that ELA and Math proficiency rates (33% and 28% respectively) are below the citywide 25th percentile, the school receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents. Recent parent surveys show exceptionally high satisfaction with the school environment and their engagement with the faculty. Parents describe a supportive learning environment and appreciate the school's emphasis on family involvement through workshops and activities. The school's philosophy centers on respecting diverse learning styles, fostering intellectual curiosity, and promoting a safe and nurturing atmosphere, with a focus on providing remedial and enriching learning opportunities. Lighthouse Elementary also integrates the MindUP program, an evidence-based social-emotional learning curriculum, to support students' mental well-being, emotional regulation, and social skills. The school serves a high percentage of students with disabilities, well above the citywide median.