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Merrick Academy - Queens Public Charter School

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Grades K-6 · 136-25 218 STREET · Queens

Dr. Karen Valbrun, Principal · 718-479-3753

84Q704Charter

About

Merrick Academy - Queens Public Charter School, serving students in Kindergarten through 6th grade, is one of New York City's earliest charter schools, established in 2000 in Springfield Gardens. Academically, the school demonstrates strong performance, with English Language Arts proficiency well above the citywide median and math proficiency at the median. It is particularly noted for its success in supporting African American students, students with disabilities, and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, ranking in the top 25% of New York elementary schools for these groups. The curriculum emphasizes a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) approach, integrating hands-on coding, robotics, and an intense world language program from early grades. The school also focuses on character education, global citizenship, and offers specialized instruction in music and physical education, alongside an extended school day. Parent sentiment is largely positive, with official surveys showing exceptionally high satisfaction regarding the school environment and communication. Parents often highlight the dedicated teachers, academic progress, and a safe atmosphere with various after-school activities. However, some external reviews express concerns about staff organization, communication, and teacher turnover. The school's suspension rate is 5.0%.

Sources (19)

Academics

State test proficiency rates and acceleration.

ELA proficiency

62%

Math proficiency

55%

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

Attendance rate

—

Avg class size (general ed)

—

Avg class size (ICT)

—

Community & climate

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

Quality signals

FacultyExcellentAI-estimated

Parent survey · overall positive

89%100% response rate

Teacher survey · overall positive

86%86% response rate

Survey topics

Safety96%city 89%

My students are safe…outside around this school.97%
My students are safe…traveling between home and this school.97%
My students are safe…in the hallways, bathrooms, locker rooms, and cafeteria of this school.100%
My students are safe…in my class(es).100%
Conflicts are resolved fairly in my school.87%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (96%) is their average, vs 89% citywide.

Bullying prevention46%city 42%

At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate other students.46%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (46%) is their average, vs 42% citywide.

Emotional support79%city 84%

How many adults at this school…help students develop the skills they need to complete challenging coursework despite obstacles?.81%
How many adults at this school…tell their students they believe they can achieve high academic standards?.94%
How many adults at this school…teach students how to advocate for themselves?.76%
How many adults at this school…recognize disruptive behavior as social-emotional learning opportunities?.63%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (79%) is their average, vs 84% citywide.

Academic expectations81%city 87%

In this school, the staff believes that all students can learn, including English language learners (ELLs), Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLLs), and students with disabilities.95%
How many students in your classes…have to work hard to do well?.67%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (81%) is their average, vs 87% citywide.

College & career guidance88%city 90%

It’s a priority at this school that adults…provide students with guidance on the high school application process.88%
It’s a priority at this school that adults…provide families with guidance on the high school application process.88%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (88%) is their average, vs 90% citywide.

Family outreach96%city 94%

At this school…teachers understand families' challenges and concerns.93%
At this school…teachers work closely with families to meet students' needs.95%
At this school…staff regularly communicate with families about how they can help students learn.98%
At this school…school staff value families' race, ethnicity, culture, family structure, and background.98%
School staff regularly communicate with me about how I can help my child learn.95%
Teachers work closely with me to meet my child's needs.93%
My child's school communicates with me in a language that I can understand.97%
I am greeted warmly when I contact or visit the school.98%
My child's school will make me aware if there are any concerns about my child’s social or emotional well-being.93%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (96%) is their average, vs 94% citywide.

Parent–teacher trust96%city 95%

I feel respected by my child's teachers.98%
Staff at this school work hard to build trusting relationships with parents/guardians like me.94%
My child's teachers treat me as a partner in educating my child.95%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (96%) is their average, vs 95% citywide.

Show all survey topics

Rigorous Instruction

Strong Core Instruction95%city 92%

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].89%
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. [ELA].95%
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].94%
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].89%
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].95%
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. [Math].100%
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].96%
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%
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%

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

Quality of Student Discussion64%city 67%

How many students in your classes…build on each other’s ideas during class discussions?.62%
How many students in your classes…use data or text references to support their ideas?.65%
How many students in your classes…show that they respect each other’s ideas?.62%
How many students in your classes…provide constructive feedback to their peers/teachers?.60%
How many students in your classes…participate in class discussions at some point?.72%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (64%) is their average, vs 67% citywide.

Collaborative Teachers

Cultural Awareness and Inclusive Classroom Instruction94%city 92%

I am able to...receive support around how to incorporate students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds in my practice.93%
I am able to...modify instructional activities and materials to meet the developmental needs and learning interests of all my students.95%
I am able to...ensure instruction represents multiple perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds.93%
I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple genders, gender identities and expressions and sexual orientations.97%
I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple races and ethnicities.100%
I am able to...design appropriate instruction that is matched to students' need (e.g. English language learners (ELLs) or Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLLs) proficiency and students with disabilities).98%
I am able to...apply my knowledge of parents' various cultural backgrounds when collaborating with them regarding their child's educational progress.100%
I am able to...develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs for my students with disabilities.93%
I am able to...monitor progress on Individualized Education Program goals for my students with disabilities.98%
I am able to...distinguish linguistic/cultural differences from learning difficulties.100%
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 (94%) is their average, vs 92% citywide.

School Commitment92%city 83%

I usually look forward to each working day at this school.93%
I would recommend this school to parents/guardians seeking a place for their child.90%
I would recommend this school to other teachers as a place to work.93%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (92%) is their average, vs 83% citywide.

Peer Collaboration89%city 87%

At this school…the principal/school leader, teachers, and staff collaborate to make this school run effectively.90%
At this school…teachers design instructional programs (e.g. lessons, units) together.95%
At this school…teachers make a conscious effort to coordinate their teaching with instruction at other grade levels.82%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (89%) is their average, vs 87% citywide.

Quality of Professional Development88%city 82%

Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...included enough time to think carefully about, try, and evaluate new ideas.84%
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.87%
Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...directly related to my students’ needs.92%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (88%) is their average, vs 82% citywide.

Innovation and Collective Responsibility69%city 79%

How many teachers at this school…help build a welcoming school environment in the entire school, not just their classroom?.73%
How many teachers at this school…are actively trying to improve their teaching?.73%
How many teachers at this school…take responsibility for improving the school?.63%
How many teachers at this school…are eager to try new ideas?.57%
How many teachers at this school…feel responsible that all students learn?.80%

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

Supportive Environment

Classroom Behavior62%city 66%

How many students in your classes…listen carefully when the teacher gives directions?.65%
How many students in your classes…follow the rules in class?.70%
How many students in your classes…respond to challenging questions in class?.48%
How many students in your classes…do their work when they are supposed to?.64%

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

Effective School Leadership

Inclusive Leadership97%city 95%

The principal/school leader at this school…puts decisions made with families into action.96%
The principal/school leader at this school…works to create a sense of community in the school.98%
The principal/school leader at this school…ensures families are comfortable communicating with the school.96%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (97%) is their average, vs 95% citywide.

Instructional Leadership93%city 86%

The principal/school leader at this school...makes clear to the staff their expectations for meeting instructional goals.100%
The principal/school leader at this school...understands how children learn.95%
The principal/school leader at this school...sets high standards for student learning.100%
The principal/school leader at this school...participates in instructional planning with teams of teachers.90%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…supports teachers in implementing what they have learned in professional development.95%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…carefully tracks student academic progress.95%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…knows what’s going on in my classes.90%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…provides teachers with formative feedback to improve practice.95%
How many adults at this school…have access to school-based supports to assist in behavioral/emotional escalations?.76%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (93%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.

Program Coherence87%city 83%

At this school…once we start a new program, we follow up to make sure that it’s working.80%
At this school…it is clear how all of the programs offered are connected to our school’s instructional vision.90%
At this school…curriculum, instruction, and learning materials are well coordinated across the different grade levels at this school.92%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (87%) is their average, vs 83% citywide.

Teacher Influence61%city 66%

At this school…the principal/school leader encourages feedback through regular meetings with families and teacher leaders.95%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...hiring new professional personnel?.45%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...planning how discretionary school funds should be used?.28%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...selecting instructional materials and/or curriculum used in classrooms?.64%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...setting standards for student behavior?.72%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (61%) is their average, vs 66% citywide.

Strong Family-Community Ties

Strong Relationships84%city 90%

At this school, my child receives what they need to achieve their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goal(s). [Families of students with IEPs].84%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (84%) is their average, vs 90% citywide.

Parent Involvement in School69%city 63%

Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…communicated with your child's teachers about your child's performance?.95%
Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…seen your child’s projects, artwork, homework, tests, or quizzes?.96%
I know how to contact the Parent Coordinator at my child’s school.15%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (69%) is their average, vs 63% citywide.

Trust

Parent-Principal Trust94%city 94%

I feel respected by my child's principal/school leader.96%
I trust the principal/school leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).93%
The principal/school leader is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.94%

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

Teacher-Principal Trust92%city 84%

I feel respected by the principal/school leader at this school.93%
The principal/school leader at this school is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.93%
The principal/school leader has confidence in the expertise of the teachers at this school.95%
I trust the principal/school leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).90%
The principal/school leader looks out for the personal welfare of the staff members.95%
The principal/school leader places the needs of children ahead of personal interests.91%
The principal and assistant principals function as a cohesive unit.89%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (92%) is their average, vs 84% citywide.

Teacher-Teacher Trust84%city 86%

Teachers in this school trust each other.81%
It's OK in this school to discuss feelings, worries, and frustrations with other teachers.77%
I feel respected by other teachers at this school.93%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (84%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.

Overall positive % is averaged across every Pos/Neg survey question per respondent group (school year 2023-2024). 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

—

Chronic absenteeism

26%

Suspension rate

Teachers^[7]

Teachers with 4+ years' experience

66%

Students per teacher

17:1

Teaching out of certification

74%

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]

Black 86%
Hispanic 9%
Multiracial 2%

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

Gender^[4]

Female 50%
Male 50%

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

Enrollment

738

Economic Need Index

69%

Free / reduced lunch

68%

English learners

Students with IEPs

18%

Location & commute

Where the school is and how to get there.

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