High school in the U.S. covers grades 9 to 12 and is the final stage of secondary education. Their curriculum includes both general education classes and specialized courses. These schools can be either regular or specialized, with the majority being public and free of charge. However, there are also private institutions that require tuition fees. For a list of the best high schools in Queens, visit queens1.one.
Queens High School for the Sciences at York College
This school in the Jamaica neighborhood is a public institution specializing in math and science education. The school admission is granted solely based on entrance exam performance for specialized high schools. By 2024, it was named the top high school in the state and ranked 25th in the National Rankings by U.S. News & World Report. The students here boast some of the highest test scores nationwide.
The institution partners with York College, giving students access to facilities like the library, cafeteria, and gym. York College focuses on developing students’ mental and personal abilities, allowing them to reach their full potential. The college offers academic programs in arts and sciences leading to Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Graduates go on to work in various professional fields including medicine, science, law, business, aviation and social work.
At the Queens High School of Science, some students engage in mentorships and internships, where they take part in significant research projects. These projects are later showcased at different fairs and symposiums throughout the U.S. The school offers a diverse selection of extracurricular activities, such as clubs (alchemy, music, chess, etc.) and sports teams.
Townsend Harris High School
Situated in the Flushing neighborhood within the Queens College campus, Townsend Harris High School is a public high school focusing on the humanities. The institution offers a comprehensive education in liberal arts and sciences. Its graduates not only succeed in their professions but also demonstrate robust critical thinking, problem-solving, cultural awareness and modern technology skills.
The school pays tribute to Townsend Harris, a prominent 19th-century American figure known for his roles as a merchant, politician and diplomat, including being the first American Consul General to Japan. Students are expected to finish a significant project for each subject annually. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on critical reading and writing skills. The high school seniors who perform well during the bridge year program can earn up to 12 credits, which will then be counted towards their admission to Queens College.
What’s interesting is that the school used to be exclusively for boys, but now it welcomes students of all genders, ethnicities, and races. In 2023, the majority of the student body is Asian, which is actually prevalent in the Flushing neighborhood.
Since its establishment, the school has preserved a tradition with the help of a dedicated group of graduates. They arrange internships for students, provide guidance and support as mentors and even help raise funds for their unique initiatives.
Queens Technical High School
Queens Technical High School is a public specialized career and technical education school located in the Long Island City neighborhood. Students can choose from a variety of curricula, including Pre-Engineering Electronic Technology, Computer Technology and Information Systems, Cisco networking (which covers the development, manufacture and sale of network hardware, software, telecommunication equipment and other high-tech services and products), Electrical Design and Installation, Plumbing Design and Technology, Graphic Design, Cosmetology Careers/Salon Management and Barbering.
As with most schools, the curriculum is divided into two semesters, fall and spring. The classrooms are equipped with everything students need to succeed in their studies. They can also borrow a laptop or tablet from the school for the duration of their studies. Education focuses on practical application, which means the ability to apply learned knowledge and skills in real-life situations.
Flushing High School
Flushing High School, the oldest surviving high school in Queens and New York City as a whole, was founded in 1875. This institution was selected for the list not based on the high level of education provided, but rather for its architectural singularity.
Its structure resembles a castle. Neo-Gothic towers with gargoyles rise above the campus. Once inside, the school takes on the appearance of a grand cathedral. The upper level of the balcony is adorned with columns and arches, while large chandeliers hang from the ceiling and wide stained glass windows impart a monastic ambiance. The vaulted ceilings and the massive decommissioned organ are mesmerizing.
The Flushing neighborhood, where the school is located, is renowned for its diversity of ethnic groups. This is reflected in the composition of the school’s student body. In particular, at the end of the 20th century, many immigrants settled here, primarily Chinese and Korean. The institution shares its campus with Veritas Academy and Queens High School for Language Studies. In 2012, New York City planned to close Flushing High School due to poor attendance and a steady decline in the number of students. However, that didn’t happen.
Teachers across 16 academic departments instruct students from 9th to 12th grade in fundamental subjects like math and social studies, as well as in specialized areas like business and law. Additionally, there is a distinct English program and assistance available for students with disabilities.
The mission of Flushing High School is to provide students with the academic, social and emotional skills necessary to succeed in college and throughout their careers. The learning environment is student-centered and offers a comprehensive array of academic and social/emotional support services.
Aviation High School
Aviation High School is located in the Long Island City neighborhood, where future airframe and powerplant technicians learn the ropes. The school has been approved by the FAA in the United States to provide training for aircraft maintenance technicians.
As well as the usual lessons, students also get daily tech lessons with a focus on aircraft structure and systems, aerodynamics, and federal aviation regulations. The 7-story school building houses classrooms, specialized aviation maintenance labs, ‘shop classrooms’ and a hangar. Within the hangar, high school students participate in the maintenance of decommissioned aircraft, a number of which were generously donated by the U.S. military. In October 2000, the school expanded by opening a new campus at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens.
Some of the distinguished graduates are:
- Frank Gustave Zarb, an American businessman and former Republican politician
- F. Lennox Campello, an American award-winning artist, art critic and curator
- Michael Bentt, who was a former WBO World Heavyweight Champion and actor
- Lou Limmer, who played Major League Baseball
- Greg Boyer, former member of the U. S. men’s national water polo team and 1988 Summer Olympics silver medalist
- Alonzo Bodden, comedian and actor, who is known for winning the top prize in the third season of the reality series Last Comic Standing.