Serving 472 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 10-14% (which is lower than the New York state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25-29% (which is lower than the New York state average of 49%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is higher than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New York state average of 60% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 472 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 88%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NY
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 80-89% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst's student population of 472 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 39 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(offers virtual instruction)
(offers virtual instruction)
Total Students
472 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst ranks within the bottom 50% of all 4,377 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst is 0.63, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3961 out of 4377 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-89%
78%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
13%
10%
Hispanic
56%
30%
Black
17%
16%
White
12%
40%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
91%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst's ranking?
P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst is ranked #3961 out of 4,377 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New York.
What schools are P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst often compared to?
P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alstis often viewed alongside schools like P.s. 17 Henry David Thoreau, P.s. 234 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% NY state average), while 25-29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
How many students attend P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst?
472 students attend P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
56% of P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst students are Hispanic, 17% of students are Black, 13% of students are Asian, 12% of students are White, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst?
P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst has a student ration of 12:1, which is higher than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst offer ?
P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (offers virtual instruction).
What school district is P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst part of?
P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst is part of New York City Geographic District #30 School District.
In what neighborhood is P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst located?
P.s. 171 Peter G Van Alst is located in the Long Island City neighborhood of Astoria, NY. There are 6 other public schools located in Long Island City.
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