P.S. 69 Jackson Heights

PS 69 is a strong school with above-average performance in reading and math. Parents and teachers give the school high marks for academic expectations as well as safety and respect, according to the Department of Education Learning Environment Survey.

Extracurricular options include vocal ensemble, ballroom dancing, theater and guitar groups. The school requires students to receive instruction in dance, music, theater and visual arts in every grade.

PS 69 organizes a series of events such as Science Fair Week, Career Day, assemblies and a multicultural day. The curriculum has a global thematic emphasis that explores Asia, the Americas and Africa across disciplines. For example, students practice origami to create art and learn about Japanese culture. Students covered Hispanic heritage, learning about famous Hispanics through the years.

The large brick building has a newly renovated playground which is open to the community after school hours. The building, designed to serve about 950 children, is overcrowded. [photo from DNAinfo.com]

Special education: The school offers team-teaching and self-contained special education classes as well as speech, occupational and physical therapy.

Admissions: Zoned neighborhood school. (Owen Minott, web reports, July 2013)