PS/IS 78

As a roomy primary school in LONG ISLAND CITY, New York, PS/IS 78 hosts 799 students from grades pre-K through 8, part of NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #30. Compared to the state average of about 443 students per school, that is 80% bigger than typical.

NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #30 comprises 53 schools with combined enrollment of 35,337 students; PS/IS 78 is among them.

Looking at the student body, PS/IS 78 lists that 36% of students identify as White, with the remaining enrollment distributed across several groups. Other groups include 31% Asian, 19% Hispanic, 8% multiracial, 5% Black. The wider county runs roughly 26% White, putting the school's mix meaningfully more White than the area baseline.

On the resource side, On paper, PS/IS 78 has 48 full-time-equivalent teachers, translating to a class-load average of around 16.5:1. Statewide, the average ratio sits near 12.8:1, putting PS/IS 78 higher than the state norm the norm. About 23% of enrolled students meet the income threshold for free or reduced-price lunch, a number frequently used as a low-income enrollment indicator. That share is lower than Queens County's rate of about 77%.

On a demographically-adjusted basis, PS/IS 78 tracks the demographic baseline. The model predicts 66.5% given the school's FRL share; actual proficiency is 80.2%.

In the broader community, Queens County reports that the typical household earns roughly $86,136 per year, 36% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and census figures put the poverty rate at about 10%. Across Queens County's 392 public schools (combined enrollment of about 268,205 students), PS/IS 78 is one campus in the mix.

Nearest neighbor: ACADEMY FOR CAREERS IN TELEVISION AND FILM, around 0.2 miles off. Within five miles, there are 8 other public schools. Among the 9 schools in that immediate cluster with test data (this one included), PS/IS 78 ranks 1st on composite proficiency, higher than the local average of 64.0%.

Geographically, the school is in a city-core area.

Looking at the recent track record. Looking back 7 years, enrollment at PS/IS 78 has expanded 13%, going from 704 students in 2018 to 799 in 2025. The Asian share of enrollment increased from 21% to 31% over that span. The student-to-teacher ratio rose from 13.8:1 in 2018 to 16.5:1 today.

Inside the community feed, the page collects discussion, questions, and updates around enrollment questions, classroom assignments, and PTA news. Parents, students, alumni, and staff are welcome to weigh in.