MiddleSchool code (DBN) 28Q217

J.H.S. 217 Robert A. Van Wyck

85-05 144 STREET, Queens
Grades 6-8
Franky Simmons, Principal
718-657-1120
ms217q.com

About

J.H.S. 217 Robert A. Van Wyck serves middle school students in Queens, with an enrollment of 1273 students, which is well above the citywide median. Academically, 42 percent of students demonstrated proficiency in ELA and 42 percent in Math, both near the 25th percentile citywide. However, 51 percent of students participated in accelerated coursework, which is well above the citywide median. The school describes a rigorous curriculum, with all 8th graders taking NYS Algebra I and Living Environment Regents exams, and advanced students taking US History and Geometry Regents. The Economic Need Index for the school is 83 percent, which is at the citywide median, and 26 percent of students are English Language Learners, which is at the 75th percentile. In the 2025-26 DOE School Survey, parents reported high satisfaction, with 98 percent stating they are satisfied with their child's education and 97 percent feeling their child is safe. Students reported that 81 percent feel safe in hallways and the cafeteria. The school's safety and school climate rating is "Good," while its instruction and performance rating is "Fair."

Sources (4)

NYC DOE Location Code Generating and Management System (LCGMS) · 2026-27 (export of 2026-08-22)
NYC DOE School Quality Reports and Snapshot, 2024-25 · 2024-25
MySchools admissions directory, 2025-26 cycle · 2025-26 admissions cycle
NYC School Survey (parent and student responses) · 2025-26

Where graduates go next^[2]

Hillcrest High School
Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School
John Bowne High School

High schools this school’s graduates most commonly attend.

Academics

State test proficiency rates and acceleration.

ELA proficiency

42%

Math proficiency

42%

Academic paceHigh-pushmedium confidence

Proficiency rates are from the Grade 3–8 NYS state test (school-level).

Attendance rate

96%

Avg class size (general ed)

27.14

Avg class size (ICT)

26.86

Average class size by classroom setting: general education vs. ICT (Integrated Co-Teaching, where general- and special-education students learn together with two teachers). NYC DOE Class Size Report, 2021–22.

Accelerated & honors courses^[1]

Math (Middle School Honors)
Middle School Algebra ACC
Middle School Biology ACC
Middle School Framework US History ACC
Middle School Geometry ACC
World Languages (Middle School Accelerated)

High-school-credit or accelerated coursework offered.

Electives, clubs & activities^[1]

Electives: Advisory, Algebra I, Art, Band, Book Club, Chess, Chorus, Coding, Computer Science, Cooking, Creative Writing, Dance, Debate, Drama, Fine Arts, Fitness, Foreign Language, Graphic Design, Health, LEGO Robotics, Math Team, Mindfulness, Music, National Junior Honor Society, Peer Mediation, Performing Arts, Physical Education, Regents Living Environment, Robotics, Saturday Academy, Science, Spanish, Specialized High School Test Preparation, STEM, Student Council, Studio Art, Swimming, Technology, Theater, Urban Advantage, US History, Visual Arts, Vocal Music, Web Design, Yearbook, Yoga
Clubs & activities: Art, Band, Book Club, Chess, Chorus, Coding, Comic Book Club, Cooking, Creative Writing, Dance, Debate, Drama, Gardening, Green Team, Homework Help, Latin Dance, Leadership, Lego Robotics, Math Team, Music, National Junior Honor Society, Peer Mediation, Restorative Circles, Robotics, Rock Band, Saturday Academy, School Newspaper, Science Club, STEM, Step Team, Student Council, Talent Show, Technology, Theater, Tutoring, Urban Arts, Video Game Club, Visual Arts, Yearbook, Yoga

Offerings vary year to year.

Arts offerings^[1]

Traditional and Studio Art
Theater Making/Performance
Music Industry & Contemporary Music
Chorus/Singing
Choreographic Practices

Arts and music courses offered.

Community & climate

Demographics, attendance, school survey results, and DOE quality ratings.

Quality signals

FacultyGoodAI-estimated

InstructionFair

Safety & climateGood

Family tiesGood

DOE quality-rating labels are skewed across the system; read them relative to the citywide distribution in our methodology.

NYC School Survey, 2025-26

Parent survey · overall positive

95%79% response rate

Teacher survey · overall positive

89%89% response rate

Student survey · overall positive

70%92% response rate

Survey topics, 2025-26

Safety78%city 82%

Students · Do you feel safe in your classes at school?90%
Students · Do you feel safe in the hallways and the cafeteria?81%
Students · Do you feel safe in the locker rooms and bathrooms at school?77%
Students · How often do School Safety Agents promote a safe and respectful environment?75%
Students · How often do students get into physical fights at this school?62%
Students · How often are students under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs during the school day and/or school activities?85%
Students · How often are students involved in gang activity during the school day?77%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (78%) is their average, vs 82% citywide.

Bullying prevention69%city 79%

Students · How often do students at this school harass, bully, or intimidate other students?65%
Students · How often do students harass or bully others online or through social media?73%
Students · How often do students harass or bully others because of their race?69%
Students · How often do students harass or bully others because of their ethnicity?75%
Students · How often do students harass or bully others because of their religion?78%
Students · How often do students harass or bully others because of their country of origin?74%
Students · How often do students harass or bully others because of their citizenship/immigration status?72%
Students · How often do students harass or bully others because of their gender?79%
Students · How often do students harass or bully others because of their gender expression?75%
Students · How often do students harass or bully others because of their sexual orientation?74%
Students · How often do students harass or bully others because of their body type (weight, height, hair, etc.)?53%
Students · How often do students harass or bully others because of their disability?69%
Teachers · At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate other students.40%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (69%) is their average, vs 79% citywide.

Emotional support75%city 74%

Students · How often do students at this school treat each other with respect?47%
Students · How often do you feel like there is at least one trusted adult at this school you could talk to if you needed to?66%
Students · Do you know where to go in your school if you need help with mental health?77%
Students · How often do you use strategies you learned at school to stay focused when something frustrating happens?48%
Teachers · How many adults at this school…help students develop the skills they need to complete challenging coursework despite obstacles?91%
Teachers · How many adults at this school…tell their students they believe they can achieve high academic standards?90%
Teachers · How many adults at this school…teach students how to advocate for themselves?89%
Teachers · How many adults at this school…recognize disruptive behavior as social-emotional learning opportunities?82%
Teachers · How many adults at this school…have access to school-based supports to assist in behavioral/emotional escalations?87%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (75%) is their average, vs 74% citywide.

Personal attention66%city 62%

Students · How many of your teachers give you specific suggestions on how to improve your work?72%
Students · How many of your teachers check if you have what you need to do well in class (extra help, access to internet, etc.)?69%
Students · How often does your school offer classes, clubs, or activities that you're excited about?69%
Students · How often do you get to work with teachers and other adults at your school to help make decisions about things that are important to you (e.g. safety, conflict resolution, etc.)?53%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (66%) is their average, vs 62% citywide.

Academic expectations72%city 71%

Students · In how many of your classes do you feel like you're being challenged academically (you learn new and hard things)?62%
Students · During this school year, how often have you felt bored?48%
Students · In how many of your classes do you work in small groups?48%
Students · In how many classes are you expected to explain the thinking or the WHY behind your responses?77%
Teachers · In this school, the staff believes that all students can learn, including Multilingual Learners/English language learners (MLs/ELLs), Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLLs), and students with disabilities.94%
Teachers · This school has well-defined learning expectations for all students.91%
Teachers · How many students in your classes…have to work hard to do well?87%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (72%) is their average, vs 71% citywide.

Clear instruction68%city 67%

Students · In how many of your classes is it clear what you need to learn?82%
Students · In how many of your classes does the work you do in class help you with class assignments like homework, projects, and/or tests?73%
Students · How many of your teachers explain things differently if you don't understand?63%
Students · How many of your teachers connect what you are learning to life outside the classroom?52%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (68%) is their average, vs 67% citywide.

College & career guidance81%city 79%

Students · How often does this school encourages you to develop interests, talents, or opportunities outside of academics?67%
Students · Does your school help you feel ready to move up to the next grade level or to graduate?75%
Students · How helpful are the adults in your school in applying to high school? [Grades 6-8].81%
Students · How encouraged do you feel by adults at your school to take advanced courses (IB, AP, college credit)? [Grades 8-12].50%
Teachers · It’s a priority at this school that adults…provide students with guidance on the high school application process. [Elementary/Middle Only].98%
Teachers · It’s a priority at this school that adults…provide families with guidance on the high school application process. [Elementary/Middle Only].98%
Teachers · It’s a priority at this school that adults…provide students with opportunities to learn about different career paths. [Elementary/Middle Only].98%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (81%) is their average, vs 79% citywide.

Family outreach95%city 95%

Teachers · At this school…teachers understand families' challenges and concerns.93%
Teachers · At this school…teachers work closely with families to meet students' needs.94%
Teachers · At this school…staff regularly communicate with families about how they can help students learn.94%
Teachers · At this school…school staff value families' race, ethnicity, culture, family structure, and background.96%
Parents · School staff regularly communicate with me about how I can help my child learn.94%
Parents · Teachers work closely with me to meet my child's needs.93%
Parents · My child's school communicates with me in a language that I can understand.97%
Parents · I am greeted warmly when I contact or visit the school.97%
Parents · My child's school will make me aware if there are any concerns about my child’s social or emotional well-being.97%
Parents · If I suspect my child needs additional learning supports and services, I know the next steps to get support at my school.92%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (95%) is their average, vs 95% citywide.

Student–teacher trust75%city 74%

Students · How many of your teachers are open to students' ideas and suggestions?66%
Students · How many of your teachers treat you with respect?87%
Students · How many of your teachers do you feel support you when you are upset?59%
Students · How many of your teachers treat students of different races, cultures, or backgrounds equally?83%
Students · How many of your teachers treat students of different genders and/or sexual orientations equally?80%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (75%) is their average, vs 74% citywide.

Parent–teacher trust97%city 96%

Parents · I feel respected by my child's teachers.98%
Parents · Staff at this school work hard to build trusting relationships with parents/guardians like me.97%
Parents · My child's teachers treat me as a partner in educating my child.97%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (97%) is their average, vs 96% citywide.

Show all survey topics

Instruction and Performance

IEP Service Satisfaction97%city 91%

Parents · I am satisfied with the educational planning and Individualized Education Program (IEP) development process at this school. [Families of students with IEPs].98%
Parents · At this school, my child receives what they need to achieve their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goal(s). [Families of students with IEPs].97%
Parents · This school offers a wide enough variety of activities and services (including specialized programs, related services and assistive and adaptive technologies where appropriate) to help improve outcomes for my child. [Families of students with IEPs].95%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (97%) is their average, vs 91% citywide.

Family Satisfaction with Child's Education97%city 94%

Parents · My child is progressing in reading the way I would expect.96%
Parents · My child is progressing in math the way I would expect.95%
Parents · My child's school helps me understand what grade-level schoolwork looks like.96%
Parents · How satisfied are you with the following? The education my child has received this year.98%
Parents · How satisfied are you with the following? The overall quality of my child's teachers this year.98%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (97%) is their average, vs 94% citywide.

Strong Core Instruction95%city 92%

Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…reading and writing experiences grounded in evidence from text, both literary and informational. [Social Studies].100%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to interact with complex grade-level text and tasks, using scaffolding where appropriate. [Social Studies].100%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage with texts and tasks reflective of their diverse racial, cultural, and linguistic perspective. [Social Studies].100%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage in meaningful discussion that critically examines topics that connect to the daily lives of students. [Social Studies].100%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…focusing deeply on the concepts emphasized in the standards to help students build strong foundations for learning. [Social Studies].100%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…reading and writing experiences grounded in evidence from text, both literary and informational. [Science].92%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to interact with complex grade-level text and tasks, using scaffolding where appropriate. [Science].92%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage with texts and tasks reflective of their diverse racial, cultural, and linguistic perspective. [Science].92%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage in meaningful discussion that critically examines topics that connect to the daily lives of students. [Science].100%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…creating coherent progressions within the standards from previous grades to current grade to build onto previous learning. [Science].92%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…reading and writing experiences grounded in evidence from text, both literary and informational. [ELA].100%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to interact with complex grade-level text and tasks, using scaffolding where appropriate. [ELA].100%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage with texts and tasks reflective of their diverse racial, cultural, and linguistic perspective. [ELA].80%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage in meaningful discussion that critically examines topics that connect to the daily lives of students. [ELA].87%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…focusing deeply on the concepts emphasized in the standards to help students build strong foundations for learning. [ELA].100%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to interact with complex grade-level text and tasks, using scaffolding where appropriate. [Math].100%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage with texts and tasks reflective of their diverse racial, cultural, and linguistic perspective. [Math].100%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage in meaningful discussion that critically examines topics that connect to the daily lives of students. [Math].100%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…focusing deeply on the concepts emphasized in the standards to help students build strong foundations for learning. [Math].100%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to interact with complex grade-level text and tasks, using scaffolding where appropriate. [English as a New Language (ENL)].89%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage with texts and tasks reflective of their diverse racial, cultural, and linguistic perspective. [English as a New Language (ENL)].78%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage in meaningful discussion that critically examines topics that connect to the daily lives of students. [English as a New Language (ENL)].89%
Teachers · In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…focusing deeply on the concepts emphasized in the standards to help students build strong foundations for learning. [English as a New Language (ENL)].89%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (95%) is their average, vs 92% citywide.

Cultural Awareness and Inclusive Classroom Instruction84%city 85%

Students · How often does your school teach you to respect and appreciate others' differences (differences in language, culture, religion, etc.)?78%
Students · How often do you see examples of different backgrounds and families in your classes (i.e materials, curriculum)?64%
Students · How often do you see positive representations of different races/ethnicities and cultures in your classes (i.e materials, curriculum)?69%
Students · How often do you see positive representation of different genders and/or sexual orientations in your classes (i.e materials, curriculum)?56%
Students · How often does your school encourage respectful conversations about race where you feel your voice is heard?72%
Teachers · I am able to...receive support around how to incorporate students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds in my practice.90%
Teachers · I am able to...appropriately modify instructional activities and materials to meet the developmental needs and learning interests of all my students.97%
Teachers · I am able to...ensure instruction represents multiple perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds.97%
Teachers · I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple races and ethnicities.93%
Teachers · I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple genders, gender identities and expressions and sexual orientations.93%
Teachers · I am able to...design instruction that is responsive to students’ needs (e.g. Multilingual Learners/English language learners (MLs/ELLs) or Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLLs) proficiency and students with disabilities).96%
Teachers · I am able to...apply my knowledge of parents' various cultural backgrounds when collaborating with them regarding their child's educational progress.94%
Teachers · I am able to...develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs for my students with disabilities.95%
Teachers · I am able to...monitor progress on Individualized Education Program goals for my students with disabilities.94%
Teachers · I am able to...distinguish linguistic/cultural differences from learning difficulties.92%
Teachers · I have conversations about race and racism at my school that help me examine my own beliefs around identity.67%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (84%) is their average, vs 85% citywide.

Quality of Student Discussion73%city 68%

Teachers · How many students in your classes…build on each other’s ideas during class discussions?75%
Teachers · How many students in your classes…use data or text references to support their ideas?76%
Teachers · How many students in your classes…show that they respect each other’s ideas?73%
Teachers · How many students in your classes…provide constructive feedback to their peers/teachers?66%
Teachers · How many students in your classes…participate in class discussions at some point?73%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (73%) is their average, vs 68% citywide.

Classroom Behavior71%city 68%

Teachers · How many students in your classes…listen carefully when the teacher gives directions?73%
Teachers · How many students in your classes…follow the rules in class?74%
Teachers · How many students in your classes…respond to challenging questions in class?63%
Teachers · How many students in your classes…do their work when they are supposed to?72%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (71%) is their average, vs 68% citywide.

Safety and School Climate

Inclusive Leadership98%city 96%

Parents · The principal/school leader at this school…puts decisions made with families into action.97%
Parents · The principal/school leader at this school…works to create a sense of community in the school.97%
Parents · The principal/school leader at this school…ensures families are comfortable communicating with the school.98%
Parents · Language translation and interpretation are readily available to me at all family events at my child’s school.98%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (98%) is their average, vs 96% citywide.

Teacher-Principal Trust94%city 86%

Teachers · I feel respected by the principal/program leader at this school.96%
Teachers · The principal/program leader at this school is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.95%
Teachers · The principal/program leader has confidence in the expertise of the teachers at this school.97%
Teachers · I trust the principal/program leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).93%
Teachers · The principal/program leader looks out for the personal welfare of the staff members.90%
Teachers · The principal/program leader places the needs of children ahead of personal interests.95%
Teachers · The principal and assistant principals function as a cohesive unit.92%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (94%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.

Instructional Leadership92%city 89%

Teachers · The principal/program leader at this school...makes clear to the staff their expectations for meeting instructional goals.94%
Teachers · The principal/program leader at this school...understands how children learn.96%
Teachers · The principal/program leader at this school...sets high standards for student learning.94%
Teachers · The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…supports teachers in implementing what they have learned in professional development.90%
Teachers · The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…carefully tracks student academic progress.93%
Teachers · The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…knows what’s going on in my classes.90%
Teachers · The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…provides teachers with formative feedback to improve practice.90%
Teachers · The principal/school leader at this school...participates in instructional planning with teams of teachers.90%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (92%) is their average, vs 89% citywide.

Peer Collaboration92%city 88%

Teachers · At this school…the principal/program leader, teachers, and staff collaborate to make this school run effectively.93%
Teachers · At this school…teachers design instructional programs (e.g. lessons, units) together.90%
Teachers · At this school…teachers make a conscious effort to coordinate their teaching with instruction at other grade levels.92%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (92%) is their average, vs 88% citywide.

Program Coherence90%city 85%

Teachers · At this school…curriculum, instruction, and learning materials are well coordinated across the different grade levels at this school.92%
Teachers · At this school…once we start a new program, we follow up to make sure that it’s working.89%
Teachers · At this school…it is clear how all of the programs offered are connected to our school’s instructional vision.90%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (90%) is their average, vs 85% citywide.

Conflict Resolution90%city 86%

Teachers · Conflicts are resolved fairly in my school.90%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (90%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.

School Commitment90%city 85%

Teachers · I usually look forward to each working day at this school.91%
Teachers · I would recommend this school to parents/guardians seeking a place for their child.88%
Teachers · I would recommend this school to other teachers as a place to work.90%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (90%) is their average, vs 85% citywide.

Teacher-Teacher Trust89%city 88%

Teachers · Teachers in this school trust each other.87%
Teachers · It's OK in this school to discuss feelings, worries, and frustrations with other teachers.87%
Teachers · I feel respected by other teachers at this school.92%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (89%) is their average, vs 88% citywide.

Innovation and Collective Responsibility86%city 81%

Teachers · How many teachers at this school…help build a welcoming school environment in the entire school, not just their classroom?92%
Teachers · How many teachers at this school…are actively trying to improve their teaching?89%
Teachers · How many teachers at this school…take responsibility for improving the school?84%
Teachers · How many teachers at this school…are eager to try new ideas?78%
Teachers · How many teachers at this school…feel responsible that all students learn?88%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (86%) is their average, vs 81% citywide.

Quality of Professional Development82%city 85%

Teachers · Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...included enough time to think carefully about, try, and evaluate new ideas.85%
Teachers · Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...Included opportunities to engage in inquiry-based, professional collaboration with peers and/or mentors from other schools.78%
Teachers · Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...directly related to my students’ needs.83%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (82%) is their average, vs 85% citywide.

Inclusive Learning Environment80%city 81%

Students · Do you feel like you belong at this school?59%
Students · How often do you feel included in school activities like clubs, sports, recess, field trips, and school events? [Students with IEPs / ELLs].66%
Students · How often do students treat students from different cultures or backgrounds equally?61%
Students · How often are school rules applied equally to all students at school?71%
Students · How often can you use a bathroom that matches your gender identity in your school?83%
Teachers · At this school, students with disabilities are included in all school activities.94%
Teachers · This school educates students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment appropriate.96%
Teachers · School staff treat students of different genders, gender identities and expressions and sexual orientations equally.97%
Teachers · School staff treat students of different races, cultures, or backgrounds equally.94%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (80%) is their average, vs 81% citywide.

Teacher Influence77%city 68%

Teachers · At this school…the principal/program leader encourages feedback through regular meetings with families and teacher leaders.96%
Teachers · How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...hiring new professional personnel?59%
Teachers · How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...planning how discretionary school funds should be used?65%
Teachers · How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...selecting instructional materials and/or curriculum used in classrooms?82%
Teachers · How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...setting standards for student behavior?81%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (77%) is their average, vs 68% citywide.

Relationships with Families

Parent-Principal Trust98%city 96%

Parents · I feel respected by my child's principal/school leader.98%
Parents · I trust the principal/school leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).97%
Parents · The principal/school leader is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.98%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (98%) is their average, vs 96% citywide.

Parent Involvement in School89%city 91%

Parents · Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…communicated with your child's teachers about your child's performance?86%
Parents · Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…seen your child’s projects, artwork, homework, tests, or quizzes?93%
Parents · I know how to contact the Parent Coordinator at my child’s school.90%
Parents · During the school year, have you...attended a school meeting, school event, or parent-teacher conference (virtually or in-person)?86%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (89%) is their average, vs 91% citywide.

School Description

School Facilities and Services81%city 84%

Students · How often does your school look clean?60%
Students · Is your school building in good working condition (e.g. water fountains, bathrooms, etc.)?79%
Teachers · This school is kept clean.71%
Teachers · This school is kept in good physical condition.73%
Teachers · Physical repairs to the school building are completed in a timely manner.57%
Parents · This school is kept clean.95%
Parents · This school is kept in good physical condition.98%
Parents · My child's school provides me information about transportation options (e.g. Metrocard and busing).96%
Parents · I am satisfied with my child’s school bus transportation service this year.94%
Parents · I am satisfied with the meal options provided at my child’s school.87%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (81%) is their average, vs 84% citywide.

Overall positive % is averaged across every Pos/Neg survey question per respondent group (school year 2025-2026). Survey topics are the DOE’s framework measures (each the average favorable response across its questions; expand a topic to see them and the citywide average); the dimension scores themselves are no longer in the public data file.^[3]

Operational health

Attendance

96%

Chronic absenteeism

31%

Suspension rate

Teachers^[7]

Teachers with 4+ years' experience

86%

Students per teacher

14:1

Teaching out of certification

17%

Teacher experience and certification from the NYSED School Report Card (2024–25); students per teacher = enrollment ÷ reported teachers. Fewer than 4 years counts as inexperienced.

Student body

Race / ethnicity^[4]

Asian 25%
Black 13%
Hispanic 53%
White 4%
Multiracial 1%

School-level totals; may not sum to 100% due to rounding and small subgroup suppression.

Gender^[4]

Female 45%
Male 55%

Female / male shares as published by the DOE; other gender identities aren’t reported in the source data.

Enrollment

1,273

Economic Need Index

83%

Free / reduced lunch

88%

English learners

26%

Students with IEPs

18%

Admissions

Seats, applicants, and admissions method from the most recent cycle. Where the school enrolls separate tracks (general ed, students with disabilities, specialized education), each track is shown on its own row, with its priority order beneath it.

Robert A. Van Wyck (Middle School 217)

Program code Q217U · Cycle 2024-2025

zone_priorityAthleticsDanceInstrumental musicMathScienceTheaterVisual artsVocal music

307 applicants · 377 seats last year; every priority group with applicants received offers.

priority group	Seats	Applicants	Applications / seat
General education	377	307	1
↳ Priority to applicants whose sibling(s) will be enrolled in this school next year	30	30	1.00
↳ Then to residents of the middle school zone	200	200	1.00
↳ Then to District 28 students and residents	60	60	1.00
↳ Then to New York City residents	20	20	1.00

Last year’s published figures. Schools make more offers than seats because not everyone enrolls, so offers can exceed seats. Counts under 10 are suppressed (shown as “<10”).

Eligibility

Open to New York City residents

Apply on MySchools →

How to read Applications / seat and where the outlook buckets come from is explained in our methodology.

Financials

^[8]^[9]

What this school has to spend, and what it spends it on. Spending is not a measure of quality. Schools serving more students with higher needs receive more money.

Spending

Total spend

$39.5MStudents: 1,267

94th percentile citywide

School-managed budget

$19.3MPositions: 147

93rd percentile citywide

Total spend per student

$31,175

37th percentile citywide · city median $33,357

Staffing costs

Principal’s salary

Not published

Principal and assistant principals

$683KPositions: 5

81st percentile citywide

Teaching staff

$10.7MPositions: 93

94th percentile citywide

Where the school-managed budget goes

These five categories add up to the school-managed budget. They do not include the centrally-paid costs in total spend.

PositionsAvg eachBudget

Leadership5$137K$683K

AP - SUPERVISION4$165K$660K
INTERIM ACTING - PRINCIPAL1$24K$24K

Teachers93$115K$10.7M

SELF CONTAINED SP ED / SELF-CONTAINED SP ED12$119K$1.4M
MATH / WHOLE CLASS11$120K$1.3M
SELF CONTAINED SP ED / ICT - Special Ed Teacher10$94K$937K
SOCIAL STUDIES / WHOLE CLASS7$118K$829K
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS / WHOLE CLASS8$102K$817K
SCIENCE - GENERAL SCIENCE / WHOLE CLASS6$98K$591K
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS / ICT - General Ed Teacher5$115K$576K
MATH / REDUCED CLASS SIZE3$161K$482K
PHYSICAL EDUCATION / WHOLE CLASS4$115K$461K
ESL / REDUCED CLASS SIZE4$108K$432K
SCIENCE - BIOLOGY / REDUCED CLASS SIZE3$128K$384K
SCIENCE - GENERAL SCIENCE / REDUCED CLASS SIZE3$86K$259K
SOCIAL STUDIES / REDUCED CLASS SIZE2$126K$252K
ARTS / WHOLE CLASS2$115K$231K
SELF CONTAINED SP ED / REDUCED CLASS SIZE2$115K$231K
DANCE ALL OTHER / REDUCED CLASS SIZE1$168K$168K
LANGUAGE / REDUCED CLASS SIZE1$128K$128K
MUSIC INSTRUMENTAL / REDUCED CLASS SIZE1$126K$126K
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS / REDUCED CLASS SIZE1$115K$115K
FL - SPANISH / WHOLE CLASS1$115K$115K
HEALTH / WHOLE CLASS1$115K$115K
MATH / ICT - General Ed Teacher1$115K$115K
MUSIC VOCAL / WHOLE CLASS1$115K$115K
SELF CONTAINED SP ED / ICT - General Ed Teacher1$115K$115K
SOCIAL STUDIES / ICT - General Ed Teacher1$115K$115K
TECHNOLOGY / WHOLE CLASS1$115K$115K
MATH / PUSH IN/PULL OUT0—$60K
ESL / WHOLE CLASS0—$58K
SELF CONTAINED SP ED / PUSH IN/PULL OUT0—$28K

Support staff44$86K$3.8M

School Aides and Other Support Staff2$318K$635K
Guidance Counselor4$119K$475K
SPEECH / PUSH IN/PULL OUT4$117K$469K
DEAN4$115K$461K
CLASSROOM - Special Ed9$40K$359K
School Secretary3$70K$211K
IEP-HEALTH4$52K$209K
School Social Worker2$73K$146K
School Psychologist Mandated Services1$120K$120K
School Social Workers Mandated Services1$120K$120K
IEP-CRISIS MANAGEMENT(CIT)3$40K$119K
SAFETY1$115K$115K
Substance Abuse Prevention & Interv Special Annual1$104K$104K
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY / PULL-OUT -all students1$91K$91K
IEP-ALTERNATE PLACEMENT1$45K$45K
PARENT COORDINATOR1$44K$44K
DC 37 Para More Than 20 Hrs0—$40K
Sub Assigned - School Secretary1$12K$12K
5041$9,188$9,188

Programs and extra time$2.1M

People Working Partial Year$591K
Absence Coverage$411K
AFTER/BEFORE SCHOOL STUDENT PROGRAMS$297K
PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES$193K
LITERACY2$72K$145K
SUMMER STUDENT PROGRAMS$97K
SPECIAL EDUCATION1$87K$87K
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT$61K
ELL INSTRUC SPECIALIST1$55K$55K
IEP-CRISIS MANAGEMENT(CIT)$44K
504$36K
Not Available$33K
SUBJECT SPECIFIC1$21K$21K
IEP-ALTERNATE PLACEMENT$12K
PARENT INVOLVEMENT$1,879
Professional Development$486

Supplies and services$2.0M

Supplies - General$796K
Non-Contractual Services$365K
Educational Consultants$197K
Educational Software$179K
Furniture Object 300$128K
Equipment - General$76K
Curriculum & Staff Development Contracts$61K
Data Processing Repair - Contractual$55K
Building Permit Fees$53K
Textbooks$47K
Non-DP Equipment Repair$18K
Telecommunication Contracts$12K
School Funded Copier$9,300
Library Books$8,328
Overtime Admin$8,242
Printing Services - Contractual$7,149
Professional Services Other$5,038
Office Temp Services - Contractual$4,572
Transportation of Staff - Non-Contract$3,056
Education & Recreation - Youth Services Contracts$1,940
Telephone and Other Communications$719

Total147$131K$19.3M

Location & commute

Where the school is and how to get there.

Get directions ↗

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Where graduates go next[2]

Accelerated & honors courses[1]

Electives, clubs & activities[1]

Arts offerings[1]