Waterside School For Leadership

Waterside School For Leadership is a small middle school in Queens, serving grades 6-8, known for its supportive environment and strong family engagement. The school shares a building near the Atlantic Ocean with an elementary school. It offers a wide array of enrichment activities, including sports, arts, dance, robotics, coding, and chess, and integrates technology extensively in classrooms. The school also emphasizes early college awareness through monthly campus visits. Relationships with families are rated as excellent, and parent surveys show overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the school's support and communication. Instruction and school climate are rated as good, with students generally feeling safe in common areas. However, academic achievement is a noted area for development, with ELA proficiency slightly below the citywide median and math proficiency falling below the 25th percentile. The school acknowledges these academic challenges and prioritizes improving math instruction. While many parents express satisfaction, some concerns have been raised about communication and academic record-keeping.