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P.S. 26 Rufus King

Grades: Pre-K, K-5
Staff Pick
195-02 69 Avenue
Queens NY 11365
Phone: 718-464-4505

Our Insights

What’s Special

Teaching is not one-size-fits-all

The Downside

Building is not barrier-free

Teachers make it a priority to adapt lessons to each child's abilities at PS 26. In fact, the word "differentiation" is in the school's mission statement. High test scores are a testament to the success they have had with this approach.

The 2013-2014 Quality Review includes many examples of ways teachers try to reach kids who learn at different speeds, as all kids do. For example, after a math lesson, a teacher gave out three different problems of varying levels of difficulty. The reviewer mentioned six levels for a hands-on electricity activity in science. Some teachers use choice boards so kids can have a say as to how they learn the material. "They differentiate at every level, even in gym and science," said Parent Coordinator Christin Marziliano.

Principal Andrew Pecorella, formerly assistant principal at award-winning PS 159 in Bayside, replaced longtime principal Dina Koski in September 2014. There is a chain of support for new teachers at PS 26, who are mentored by experienced teachers in the building. Newbies also meet regularly with the assistant principal for feedback and support.

The school has many ways of welcoming parents, including free English classes four days a week and a book club, where parents can bond and discuss books like The Puzzle King, a family immigrant story set in 20th-century New York. "A lot of ESL parents are involved," said Marziliano.

Technology upgrades include a computer program called iReady for English language learners, which has engaging online lessons, and is another tool for reaching kids of all levels. SMART Boards are in all classrooms. Laptop computers are available so kids can write multiple drafts of reports and do online research, according to the school's yearly plan.

Creative arts classes combine movement, drama and dance. Chorus is offered in grades 4 and 5, and literacy through the arts is offered in the lower grades. There is a full-time technology teacher who incorporates math into lessons. Children learn to play basketball in gym class in addition to general fitness activities. All children visit the science lab once a week.

The photo [from the school website] was taken at a ceremony to install the new PS 26 student government. Children are dressed in clothing that reflects their families' countries of origin. There are four half-day pre-kindergarten programs, two in the morning and two in the afternoon.

One full-time ELL teacher serves the school's English language learners, who also participate in before- and after-school programs.

Special education:On every grade level there are ICT (integrated co-teaching) classes that mix students with special needs and their general education peers. Three self-contained classes serve 12 children with special needs only. Two full-time speech teachers, a full-time nurse and occupational and physical therapists offer services as needed. The school shares the building with PS 224, a District 75 school for children with more serious disabilities.

Admissions: Neighborhood school.(Lydie Raschka, phone interview and school data, September 2014)

Read more

School Stats

Citywide Average Key
This school is Better Near Worse than the citywide average

Is this school safe and well-run?

From the 2020-21 NYC School Survey

How many teachers say the principal is an effective manager?
84%
82% Citywide Average

From the 2019-20 NY State Report Card

How many students were suspended?
0%
1% Citywide Average

From this school's most recent Quality Review Report

Are teachers effective?

From the 2021-22 School Quality Guide

How many teachers have 3 or more years of experience teaching?
96%
84% Citywide Average
Years of principal experience at this school
8.1

How do students perform academically?

From the New York State 2022-2023 Assessment Database

How many elementary school students scored 3-4 on the state math exam?
66%
53% Citywide Average
How many elementary school students scored 3-4 on the state reading exam?
62%
50% Citywide Average

What is the Pre-K like?

From the NYC Program Assessment (CLASS and ECERS-R) Database through 2019-2020

Instruction: Teachers ask kids to explain their reasoning when they solve problems
Activities: Children explore art, music, sand/water, dramatic play and more
Language: Teachers talk and listen to kids in a supportive way
Interaction: Teachers ask kids good questions and invite back-and-forth conversation

Who does this school serve?

From the 2022-23 Demographic Snapshot

Enrollment
587
Asian
58%
Black
7%
Hispanic
18%
White
15%
Other
3%
Free or reduced priced lunch
66%
Students with disabilities
17%
English language learners
18%
Pre-K seats
30

From the 2021-22 School Quality Guide

Average daily attendance
92%
90% Citywide Average
How many students miss 18 or more days of school?
30%
40% Citywide Average

From the 2020 School Directories

How does this school serve special populations?

From the New York State 2022-2023 Assessment Database

How many students with disabilities scored 3-4 on the state math exam?
28%
30% Citywide Average
How many students with disabilities scored 3-4 on the state reading exam?
22%
23% Citywide Average
How many English language learners scored 3-4 on the state math exam?
34%
21% Citywide Average
How many English language learners scored 3-4 on the state reading exam?
23%
12% Citywide Average


For more information about our data sources, see About Our Data · More DOE statistics for this school

Contact & Location

Location

Fresh Meadows (District 26)
Buses: Q17, Q30, Q46, Q76, Q88, QM1, QM5, QM6

Contact

Principal
Andrew Pecorella
Parent Coordinator
Christin Marziliano

Other Details

Shared campus?
No
This school is in its own building.

Zone for the 2019-2020 school year. Call school to confirm.

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