Admission to these selective schools is not based on entrance exams like the SHSAT, but mostly on middle-school grades, state exam scores, attendance and punctuality. Some give priority to continuing 8th graders or to certain residents. Other top-ranked schools are listed in sections on early college , arts/performing arts, career and technical education, CTE.
1. Townsend Harris High School
149 -11 Melbourne Ave., Queens
Admission: Open to NYC; grades 92-100; state exams: Levels 3.6-4.5; attendance
Enrollment: 1,132
Graduation rate: 100%
College ready: 100%
College enrollment: 100%
% Taking SAT: 97.1
Average total SAT score: 1981
# Taking AP tests: 309
AP Pass rate: 90.3%
This highly desired Flushing school appeals to motivated high-achievers from all five boroughs. In 2015, 5,996 applied for 306 freshman seats. With an emphasis on the classics, all students take two years of Greek or Latin. The rich curriculum seeks to instill a mastery of the humanities and an appreciation of nature, the arts, math and science.
All classes are honors, AP or college level. Offers career and technical education courses in engineering, law, scientific research and audiovisual technology. The building boasts a DNA lab and TV studio. Scholars conduct research at Queens College, NYU and Rockefeller University. Seniors earn tuition-free credits at Queens College and have access to the campus gym, library and cafeteria. The school buzzes with more than 25 clubs, 32 sports teams, and several academic societies.
The Steel Hawks robotics team has won awards at world championship events, and the school took top honors in the NYC Science Olympiad in 2016 and 2015. Kids take two trips abroad each year.
2. Eleanor Roosevelt High School
411 E. 76th St., Manhattan
Admission: Priority to District 2; grades 91-‑100; state exams: Levels 3.3-4.5; attendance
Enrollment: 541
Graduation rate: 100%
College ready: 99.2%
College enrollment: 95.3%
% Taking SAT: 86
Average total SAT score: 1889
# Taking AP tests: 111
AP Pass rate: 91%
Coveted Upper East Side school prizes community service along with academics. Its 125 freshman seats attracted 5,582 applications in 2015. Offers 11 AP classes, a college English class in partnership with St. John’s University and an array of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and arts classes. Starting this year, all students can take AP World History in 10th grade and AP US History in 11th. Science and math are required all four years.
The affectionately nicknamed “ElRo” has the only high school team competing in the city’s annual Canstruction competition. Joining professional architects and engineers, students collect hundreds of cans of food, use them to build giant art pieces, then donate them to a food pantry. The ElRo Sibs peer leadership program pairs seniors with ninth- and 10th-graders for mentoring. There are 30 clubs and 16 PSAL sports, including a new indoor track team. The renovated music room added 200 square feet of instructional space in 2016.
3. New Explorations into Science, Technology and Math
111 Columbia St., Manhattan
Admission: Priority to continuing 8th graders; grades 83-‑100; state exams: Levels 2.7-4.5; attendance; on-site test
Enrollment: 1,735
Graduation rate: 97.5%
College ready: 96.7%
College enrollment: 82.3%
% Taking SAT: 91
Average total SAT score: 1859
# Taking AP tests: 116
AP Pass rate: 85.3%
The city’s only K-12 gifted school, NEST+m offers AP classes starting in ninth grade and accelerated math and science programs. Students must submit a special request for testing, and competition for 160 freshman seats is fierce — last year, 3,097 students applied. Electives include digital storytelling, mythology and gymnastics; language courses are offered in Mandarin, Latin, Spanish, Italian and French.
The school has many clubs, including robotics and chess, and sports like fencing and track, plus science and arts internship opportunities at local universities.
A new student-curated Open Mic series showcases kids’ musical, poetry, comedy and theater talents.
4. Baccalaureate School for Global Education
34-12 36th Ave., Queens
Admission: Priority to continuing 8th graders; grades 90-100; state exams: Levels 3.1-4.5; attendance
Enrollment: 478
Graduation rate: 100%
College ready: 98.5%
College enrollment: 98.4
% Taking SAT: 98.5%
Average total SAT score: 1881
With a laid-back feel yet ambitious mission, this 7-12 Astoria school steers students toward the prestigious International Baccalaureate degree in a light-filled building that was once a pocketbook factory.
Juniors and seniors take IB exams for college credits in experimental sciences, math, foreign language (Mandarin, Spanish or French), world literature, history and art.
The program requires 100 hours of community service in grades seven to 10, and 150 hours of “creativity, action or service” in grades 11 and 12. Students complete a 4,000-word extended essay on a topic of their choice — anything from “How to Make a Thermoelectric Cooler” to “Writing Fiction Stories.”
No gym, but an on-site fitness room and yoga/dance studio.
Juniors and seniors can leave for lunch.
5. Scholars’ Academy
320 Beach 104th St., Queens
Admission: Priority to continuing 8th graders; grades, state exams, attendance
Enrollment: 1,302
Graduation rate: 99.2%
College ready: 97.5%
College enrollment: 90.6%
% Taking SAT: 99.2
Average total SAT score: 1716
# Taking AP tests: 87
AP Pass rate: 78.2%
This academically accelerated 6-12 school on the Rockaway peninsula offers an ambitious curriculum and cutting-edge tech to prepare students for 21st-century careers.
Kids use iPads, Chromebooks, and MacBooks and choose from 10 AP courses.
In the upper grades, they can earn up to 20 college credits through a partnership with St. Francis College in Brooklyn.
Exceptional drama club, marching and concert bands and visual arts. The Key Club leads charitable efforts, including the Leaf Crunch cleanup day in Forest Park and food collections for City Harvest.
6. High School for Dual Language and Asian Studies
350 Grand St., Manhattan
Admission: Open to NYC; grades 80-100; state exams: Levels 1.9-4.5; attendance
Enrollment: 416
Graduation rate: 92.8%
College ready: 81.4%
College enrollment: 89.8%
% Taking SAT: 95.9
Average total SAT score: 1529
# Taking AP tests: 91
AP Pass rate: 96.7%
English-speaking and Chinese-speaking students become fluent in both languages through this school’s demanding curriculum: students must pass the Chinese Regents test, along with five other state-required exams, to graduate.
With a student body 89% Asian, the continent’s cultural themes are explored in every subject.
It shares a building with four other high schools, which combined offer 14 PSAL sports teams including badminton and volleyball.
Extensive academic support includes SAT prep and Saturday ESL classes.
7. Beacon High School
522 W. 44th St., Manhattan
Admission: Open to NYC; grades 86-100; state exams: Levels 3.0-4.5; interview, portfolio
Enrollment: 1,285
Graduation rate: 99.3%
College ready: 91.2%
College enrollment: 85.2%
% Taking SAT: 82.8
Average total SAT score: 1764
# Taking AP tests: 148
AP Pass rate: 78.4%
Popular for its intense humanities curriculum, project-based assessments and brand-new Hell’s Kitchen building, Beacon attracted 5,006 applicants for 350 freshman seats last year. Students are exempt from almost all state Regents tests, and demonstrate achievement in portfolios of their work. Free college classes at schools including Fordham and NYU are offered.
The facility boasts multiple music and art rooms, film and photography studios, and a large gym for its 17 PSAL teams.
Advanced classes range from engineering and robotics to animation and choreography.
8. Columbia Secondary School
425 W. 123rd St., Manhattan
Admission: Priority to continuing 8th graders; grades 90-100; state exams: Levels 3.1-4.5; attendance, interview, writing sample
Enrollment: 659
Graduation rate: 98.8%
College ready: 90.6%
College enrollment: 82.6%
% Taking SAT: 88.2
Average total SAT score: 1690
# Taking AP tests: 82
AP Pass rate: 69.5%
This diverse 6-12 school with a science and engineering focus is affiliated with nearby Columbia University, where juniors and seniors can take courses for free.
The curriculum aims to immerse students in math and science. Philosophy and engineering courses are required; electives are offered in subjects like web design and genetics.
The building lacks a library, but new investments in science labs brought up-to-date equipment. Activities include organic gardening and moot court.
9. Millennium High School
75 Broad St., Manhattan
Admission: Priority to students south of Houston Street; grades 87-‑100; state exams: Levels 2.9-4.5; attendance
Enrollment: 659
Graduation rate: 98%
College ready: 92.1%
College enrollment: 89.9%
% Taking SAT: 94
Average total SAT score: 1704
# Taking AP tests: 93
AP Pass rate: 80.6%
Small, demanding Financial District school offers a well-rounded liberal arts curriculum in seminar-style classes that encourage discussion. Thesis papers required in grades 10, 11 and 12.
All students take four years of English, history, math and science, and two years of studio art.
Instrumental and vocal music electives. PSAL sports like baseball, fencing and basketball are played at off-campus fields or at a local YMCA. Extras include a School of Rock after-school music program, yoga, American Sign Language and a Shakespeare Monologue Competition.
10. Baruch College Campus High School
55 E. 25th St., Manhattan
Admission: Priority to District 2; grades 85‑-100; state exams: Levels 2.7-4.5; attendance; writing sample
Enrollment: 451
Graduation rate: 99%
College ready: 98.1%
College enrollment: 90.7%
% Taking SAT: 94.3
Average total SAT score: 1649
# Taking AP tests: 72
AP Pass rate: 68.1%
Gramercy school’s interdisciplinary liberal-arts program of all-honors classes requires four years of English, science, math and history, three of Spanish and two of writing and visual arts. It offers five AP classes, plus credit-bearing courses from Baruch College. The Senior Exit Project has students defend their work before a panel of educators.
Sports, clubs and activities include the new InvenTeam, which took (STEM) students to the 2016 White House science fair to demonstrate a robot vacuum for the subway system.
11. N.Y.C. Museum School
333 W. 17th St., Manhattan
Admission: Priority to District 2; grades 80-100; state exams: Levels 2.6-4.5; attendance
Enrollment: 471
Graduation rate: 99.1%
College ready: 91.8%
College enrollment: 82.8%
% Taking SAT: 90
Average total SAT score: 1612
# Taking AP tests: 75
AP Pass rate: 70.7%
Students tap the resources of major local museums to explore “learning modules” on topics like evolution, world religions, geology and US history.
Science curriculum incorporates the school’s new rooftop solar panels. Four APs are offered, as are three languages.
New clubs include the outreach-oriented Red Cross Club. A renovated gym hosts several sports and a dance team.
12. Leon M. Goldstein High School for the Sciences
1830 Shore Blvd., Brooklyn
Admission: Open to NYC; math/science grades 87‑-100; state exams: Levels 2.9-4.5; punctuality
Enrollment: 1,081
Graduation rate: 94.4%
College ready: 84.5%
College enrollment: 90%
% Taking SAT: 94
Average total SAT score: 1640
# Taking AP tests: 176
AP Pass rate: 64.8%
Pretty waterfront campus overlooking Sheepshead Bay emphasizes STEM courses while supporting strong English, art and music programs in a college-prep curriculum.
Four years of math and science for all, including calculus and physics, and three years of either Spanish or Italian; electives include drama, psychology, and marine biology.
Students access classes and facilities at neighboring Kingsborough Community College, including its pool, as well as Goldstein’s own labs, gym, library, and arts studios.
13. Manhattan Village Academy
43 W. 22nd St., Manhattan
Admission: Open to NYC; grades 70-100; state exams: Levels 2.0-4.5; attendance; school visit
Enrollment: 415
Graduation rate: 97.5%
College ready: 90.1%
College enrollment: 95.6%
% Taking SAT: 98.8
Average total SAT score: 1511
# Taking AP tests: 58
AP Pass rate: 62.1%
Kids are immersed in a unique “critical-thinking curriculum” the summer before they start at this small school housed in a renovated Chelsea office building. It offers demanding but supportive academics, with 15 AP courses beginning in ninth grade.
Students take four years of lab-based science and compile five elaborate performance-based portfolios that they must defend before graduating.
Sophomores and juniors take college trips. Clubs, basketball and softball round out the sports offerings.
14. School of the Future High School
127 E. 22nd St., Manhattan
Admission: Priority to continuing 8th graders; grades 75-100; state exams: Levels 2.0-4.5; attendance; interview
Enrollment: 713
Graduation rate: 93.3%
College ready: 89.9%
College enrollment: 72.2%
% Taking SAT: 89.9
Average total SAT score: 1589
# Taking AP tests: 36
AP Pass rate: 66.7%
Students chosen for diversity and small class sizes make this 6-12 school exceptional. Students create research-based “exhibitions” as a graduation requirement, exempting them from nearly all state Regents exams.
An expanding arts program offers music and drama courses. Internships are expected in 11th and 12th grades.
A required “Bridge to College” class in ninth and 10th grades teaches goal-setting and builds confidence.
15. Midwood High School
2839 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn
Admission: Zoned; for screened programs, grades 85-100; state exams: Levels 3.0-4.5
Enrollment: 3,787
Graduation rate: 89.6%
College ready: 74.1%
College enrollment: 79.7%
% Taking SAT: 85.7
Average total SAT score: 1580
# Taking AP tests: 404
AP Pass rate: 76.7%
Spirited — but overcrowded — school combines a zoned program with competitive screened humanities and medical science institutes.
With 16 APs, top students do independent research at nearby Brooklyn College. There’s a strong robotics program, a TV studio and outstanding instrumental and vocal music courses.
More than 60 clubs include gospel choir, cycling and 4-H. Two dozen sports include PSAL cricket and lacrosse.
16. N.Y.C. Lab School for Collaborative Studies
333 W. 17th St., Manhattan
Admission: Priority to District 2; grades 85-100; state exams: Levels 2.7-4.5; attendance
Enrollment: 587
Graduation rate: 96.3%
College ready: 82.8%
College enrollment: 81%
% Taking SAT: 79.8
Average total SAT score: 1700
# Taking AP tests: 108
AP Pass rate: 64.8%
This popular Chelsea school uses a collaborative model of group learning. An expanded STEM program offers a new four-year sequence in computer science, leading to an AP course in the subject, as well as robotics.
Electives include jazz and modern band, creative writing, and math modeling. “Courageous Conversations” about homophobia, race and more are part of a school-wide commitment to social justice.
The school boasts 15 PSAL teams, Model UN and the Lab Theater Company, which produces a musical, a drama and sketch productions each year.
17. Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics
1363 Fulton Avenue , Bronx
Admission: Priority to Bronx; school visit
Enrollment: 457
Graduation rate: 90.1%
College ready: 67.6%
College enrollment: 73.4%
% Taking SAT: 73.9
Average total SAT score: 1466
# Taking AP tests: 36
AP Pass rate: 83.3%
Small, unscreened school in Claremont Village achieves excellent results with a supportive, rigorous academic program and summer enrichment.
New STEM initiatives, including a Mac lab and added computer science programs, opens coding instruction to all students.
The school has a strong college office and free in-school SAT prep; grads get mentoring to support them in college.
18. Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics
280 Pleasant Avenue, Manhattan
Admission: Priority to Isaac Newton Middle School students; grades 79-100; state exams: Levels 2.3-4.5; attendance
Enrollment: 1,603
Graduation rate: 91.4%
College ready: 80.4%
College enrollment: 78.6%
% Taking SAT: 87.6
Average total SAT score: 1556
# Taking AP tests: 220
AP Pass rate: 60.9%
Students get individual attention at this East Harlem school with small, personalized writing classes and four years of both math and science. A rigorous college prep program includes free SAT courses for 11th graders.
Most students take advantage of the 11 AP courses. Extracurriculars include robotics, astronomy and salsa clubs, and sports like bowling and volleyball. A dedicated college office organizes campus trips.
19. Young Women’s Leadership School
105 East 106th Street, E. Harlem, Manhattan
Admission: Female students only, priority to continuing 8th graders; grades 73-100; state exams: Levels 2.0-4.5; group interview, writing exercise
Enrollment: 480
Graduation rate: 98.6%
College ready: 76.1%
College enrollment: 93.8%
% Taking SAT: 100
Average total SAT score: 1415
# Taking AP tests: 34
AP Pass rate: 67.6%
The “grandmother” of the city’s girls-only school network is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The small and supportive 6-12 program’s college prep curriculum sets a high bar that students hurdle with abundant after-school help and daily advisory sessions.
Enrichment includes theater trips and science fieldwork. Community service at local food pantries and homeless shelters is expected.
20. Benjamin N. Cardozo High School
57‑00 223rd Street, Queens
Admission: Queens only; for screened program, math/science grades 90-100, state exams: Levels 2.8-4.5; for dance program: audition
Enrollment: 3,505
Graduation rate: 88.5%
College ready: 63.5%
College enrollment: 76.9%
% Taking SAT: 75.6
Average total SAT score: 1578
# Taking AP tests: 366
AP Pass rate: 71.6%
This large Bayside school surrounded by fields and a full-size track for its 33 team sports has a suburban feel but a diverse student body. It offers a prestigious, and selective, science institute and performing dance program, plus four years of science, math, language, College Now and 15 AP courses. Scores of clubs include animé and a songwriter’s workshop.
21. Millennium Brooklyn High School
237 7th Ave., Brooklyn
Admission: Priority to Brooklyn; grades 82-100; state exams: Levels 2.7-4.5; attendance
Enrollment: 566
Graduation rate: 94.7%
College ready: 71.7%
College enrollment: N/A
% Taking SAT: 79.6
Average total SAT score: 1643
# Taking AP tests: 43
AP Pass rate: 76.7%
Inclusive and welcoming, this offshoot of Manhattan’s popular Millennium High School uses classroom co-teaching to help special-needs students complete a college prep curriculum.
Community service is required at the Park Slope school.
Clubs, like mock trial and robotics, exist alongside 20-plus sports, including swimming, table tennis and ultimate Frisbee.
22. Francis Lewis High School
58-20 Utopia Parkway, Queens
Admission: Priority to Queens; for screened programs, grades 85-100; state exams: Levels 3.0-4.5; attendance
Enrollment: 4,172
Graduation rate: 80.4%
College ready: 71.4%
College enrollment: 74.8%
% Taking SAT: 80.7
Average total SAT score: 1530
# Taking AP tests: 548
AP Pass rate: 68.4%
Huge, and hugely popular, Fresh Meadows school attracted more applications than any other city high school last year: 9,468 for 1,100 seats.
Kids cram in for top academics — like 10 languages including American Sign, 15 AP courses and selective programs in science research, math and humanities.
The junior ROTC program is the nation’s largest. Scores of clubs, 30 team sports, top-notch music and theater round it out.
23. Academy of American Studies
28-04 41st Ave., Queens
Admission: Priority to Queens; for screened program, grades 83-100; state exams: Levels 2.8-4.5; attendance; school visit
Enrollment: 874
Graduation rate: 88.1%
College ready: 62.9%
College enrollment: 83.4%
% Taking SAT: 84.8
Average total SAT score: 1456
# Taking AP tests: 121
AP Pass rate: 60.3%
A four-year program in American history, literature and culture is the curriculum centerpiece, with added courses in opera, business and journalism.
Students explore historical sites within and beyond NYC for hands-on research. There are 10 APs, plus 12 College Now courses. Kids flock to Improvisational Theatre Club and community-service projects.
24. Bedford Academy High School
1119 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn
Admission: Priority to District 13; grades 71-100; state exams: Levels 2.2-4.5; attendance; interview, math/writing assignment
Enrollment: 364
Graduation rate: 96.2%
College ready: 70.9%
College enrollment: 82.4%
% Taking SAT: 96.2
Average total SAT score: 1425
# Taking AP tests: 37
AP Pass rate: 56.8%
Intimate school provides extensive academic and social supports. Students choose a major — pre-engineering, pre-med, pre-law, pre-education or liberal arts — for a college-like experience.
Six APs, and electives like robotics, black studies and introduction to finance are available.
25. Queens Gateway to Health Sciences Secondary School
160‑20 Goethals Avenue, Queens
Admission: Priority to continuing 8th graders; grades 70-100; state exams: Levels 2.0-4.5; attendance
Enrollment: 779
Graduation rate: 95.5%
College ready: 84.2%
College enrollment: 90.2%
% Taking SAT: 92.5
Average total SAT score: 1549
# Taking AP tests: 84
AP Pass rate: 41.7%
The focus is on health careers at this school for grades 6-12, located right next door to Jamaica’s Queens Hospital Center in a sleek, modern building.
Four years of science and math are required for all, and everyone participates in the Hospital Experience Program alongside medical professionals. Ten APs are on the board; activities and sports include rugby and gardening.
26. Forest Hills High School
67-01 110 Street, Queens
Admission: Queens-only zoned and screened programs, others open to NYC; for science academy, grades 85-100, state exams: Levels 2.8-4.5; for drama and music academies: audition
Enrollment: 3,840
Graduation rate: 85%
College ready: 56.1%
College enrollment: 71.7%
% Taking SAT: 72.8
Average total SAT score: 1485
# Taking AP tests: 448
AP Pass rate: 67.4%
Lively, crowded school draws gifted Queens students to its math and science honors program, law institute and a new academy of Chinese studies. Music and drama programs are prestigious.
Seven languages, including American Sign, and 17 AP courses, plus dozens of clubs, like poetry, philosophy and animal rights are offered, along with 22 sports.
27. Maspeth High School
54‑40 74th Street, Queens
Admission: Priority to District 24; school visit
Graduation rate: 97%
College ready: 50%
College enrollment: N/A
% Taking SAT: 90
Average total SAT score: 1427
# Taking AP tests: 101
AP Pass rate: 55.4%
A new school — established in 2011 — that’s old-school, built on the classical concepts of grammar, dialectics and rhetoric. All students take four years of Latin, with Greek and Mandarin also offered, plus four years of theater, music, dance or visual arts. Boasts nearly 50 clubs, including a top debate team, and 17 PSAL sports.
28. East-West School of International Studies
46-21 Colden St., Queens
Admission: Continuing 8th graders only
Graduation rate: 88.5%
College ready: 62.5%
College enrollment: 79.5%
% Taking SAT: 89.4%
Average total SAT score: 1429
# Taking AP tests: 58
AP Pass rate: 56.9%
Every high school student in this Flushing 6-12 school takes a three-year track in Chinese, Japanese or Korean, and groups visit Japan and China for more study. Six AP classes and free college credit courses are available. A new program now integrates students with autism.
The school has many clubs, like K-Pop dance and animé art, while sports include judo, martial arts and basketball.
29. Riverdale/Kingsbridge Academy (Middle School/High School 141)
660 West 237th Street, Bronx
Admission: Bronx only, priority to continuing 8th graders; grades, state exams, attendance, interview
Enrollment: 1,381
Graduation rate: 79.6%
College ready: 43.1%
College enrollment: 67.1%
% Taking SAT: 69.4
Average total SAT score: 1457
# Taking AP tests: 86
AP Pass rate: 65.1%
A community school, grades 6-12, with a strong arts program and extensive parent involvement, honors classes and eight APs. Arts include music, painting, and ceramics for all. A large library hosts student-run poetry cafes.
A wide range of activities are available, like yoga, anime, and dance, while kids can choose from 14 PSAL sports including wrestling, lacrosse and golf.
30. Edward R. Murrow High School
1600 Avenue L, Brooklyn
Admission: Brooklyn only; screened programs for native Chinese and Spanish speakers; for art and music programs, audition
Enrollment: 3,968
Graduation rate: 79.1%
College ready: 49.8%
College enrollment: 70.9%
% Taking SAT: 75.2
Average total SAT score: 1451
# Taking AP tests: 359
AP Pass rate: 68%
Crowded, dynamic Midwood school boasts a new million-dollar MusicX recording studio, TV production facility, seven gyms and a planetarium.
Strong arts programs plus 19 APs and five languages, including Russian. There are more than 50 activities and clubs, plus 11 PSAL sports.
31. Central Park East High School
1573 Madison Avenue, Manhattan
Admission: Open to NYC; grades 85-100; state exams: Levels 2.0-4.5; attendance
Enrollment: 466
Graduation rate: 96.9%
College ready: 76%
College enrollment: 89.6%
% Taking SAT: 97.9
Average total SAT score: 1390
# Taking AP tests: 52
AP Pass rate: 50%
You’ll find a friendly feel, small classes, and a demanding academic program that emphasizes writing at this school.
There are seminar courses in every grade, honors classes, five APs and a full-time college counselor. Internships are offered at Mount Sinai and elsewhere. Activities include photography and choir, while there are 18 sports.
32. World Journalism Preparatory: A College Board School
34‑65 192nd Street, Queens
Admission: Priority to continuing 8th graders
Enrollment: 610
Graduation rate: 91.4%
College ready: 50.5%
College enrollment: 82.3%
% Taking SAT: 89.2
Average total SAT score: 1462
# Taking AP tests: 50
AP Pass rate: 42%
This small 6-12 school in Auburndale uses journalism as a theme to teach critical thinking. Students maintain an online news website, an in-school broadcast, podcasts and blogs and have regular visits to newspapers, TV networks and publishing companies.
The school features many clubs, including a precision step team, and 30 PSAL sports.
33. Academy of Finance and Enterprise
30‑20 Thomson Avenue, Queens
Admission: Priority to Queens; school visit
Enrollment: 478
Graduation rate: 92.7%
College ready: 75.6%
College enrollment: 74.1%
% Taking SAT: 92.7
Average total SAT score: 1404
# Taking AP tests: 82
AP Pass rate: 41.5%
Businesslike uniforms, complete with skirts for girls and ties for boys, are required at this Long Island City school centered on finance. Students work on themed project portfolios — last year’s topic was immigration — all year. A business and entrepreneurship CTE program, eight APs, paid internships, job shadowing, and mentoring opportunities abound.
34. Bayside High School
32‑24 Corporal Kennedy St., Queens
Admission: Queens only; for screened programs, grades 70-100, state exams: Levels 2.1-4.5; for art and music programs, audition; attendance
Enrollment: 3,336
Graduation rate: 89.4%
College ready: 58.1%
College enrollment: 77.1%
% Taking SAT: 76.7
Average total SAT score: 1487
# Taking AP tests: 289
AP Pass rate: 57.4%
Six selective programs, including environmental engineering and sports medicine, attract bright students to this large school in northeast Queens. Students are offered nine APs and six languages, including Korean. Its 50 clubs cover activities from Chinese yo-yo to 2-D animation.
35. Benjamin Banneker Academy
71‑77 Clinton Ave., Brooklyn
Admission: Priority to Districts 13, 14, 15, 16; grades 66-100; state exams: Levels1.9-4.5; attendance; interview
Enrollment: 916
Graduation rate: 91.2%
College ready: 50.5%
College enrollment: 80.5%
% Taking SAT: 85.5
Average total SAT score: 1435
# Taking AP tests: 63
AP Pass rate: 52.4%
Four competitive screened programs draw students to this Clinton Hill school, located in a re-purposed Drake’s Cakes factory. Colorful halls and many activities, such as African dance and Zawadi art, suit its African-culture theme.
Five APs and 15 team sports offered, including fencing and volleyball.
36. All City Leadership Secondary School
321 Palmetto St., Brooklyn
Admission: Priority to continuing 8th graders
Enrollment: 385
Graduation rate: 85%
College ready: 47.5%
College enrollment: 58.1%
% Taking SAT: 85
Average total SAT score: 1361
# Taking AP tests: 27
AP Pass rate: 48.1%
This miniature Bushwick school, admitting just 62 freshmen last year, gets big results with a mission built on respect and high standards. Required Friday-night Leadership Cadet Program instills strong values.
Civic activities, like participation in the annual Memorial Day Parade, expected. Boasts a marching band, and 11 organized sports.
37. NYC iSchool
131 Avenue of the Americas, Manhattan
Admission: Open to NYC; grades 82-100; state exams: Levels 2.7-4.5; attendance; online admissions activity
Enrollment: 442
Graduation rate: 98%
College ready: 75%
College enrollment: 80.6%
% Taking SAT: 96
Average total SAT score: 1536
# Taking AP tests: 61
AP Pass rate: 67.2%
Tech-focused Soho school has students select their own classes starting in ninth grade. There are five AP courses and five languages. Clubs are created by students each year, based on their interests; 2015’s included Coding Club and Creative Writing Club.
One caveat: the school overuses quickie online classes.
38. High School for Public Service: Heroes of Tomorrow
600 Kingston Ave., Brooklyn
Admission: Priority to Brooklyn; for screened programs, grades 65-100, state exams: Levels 1.9-4.5; attendance, school visit
Enrollment: 454
Graduation rate: 92.7%
College ready: 61.1%
College enrollment: 81.1%
% Taking SAT: 95.4
Average total SAT score: 1386
# Taking AP tests: 108
AP Pass rate: 36.6%
A public service theme weaves through the curriculum at this Prospect Lefferts Gardens campus and extends past the school day — 50 hours of community service is required each year. Students grow produce and flowers in an on-site organic farm and run a farmers’ market after school. Medical and legal academies offer internships and hands-on experience.
39. CSI High School for International Studies
100 Essex Drive, Staten Island
Admission: Priority to Districts 20, 21, 31; school visit
Enrollment: 520
Graduation rate: 95.8%
College ready: 64.5%
College enrollment: 91%
% Taking SAT: 83.5
Average total SAT score: 1409
# Taking AP tests: 46
AP Pass rate: 41.3%
A global theme at this close-knit mid-Island school means a four-year foreign-language requirement — Japanese, Spanish or Mandarin — and regular international trips. Students can take classes at the College of Staten Island, while six APs are offered. Drum circle is a popular activity.
40. Park East High School
230 East 105th St., Manhattan
Admission: Priority to Manhattan; grades 65-100; state exams: Levels 1.9-4.5; attendance; school visit
Enrollment: 413
Graduation rate: 95.8%
College ready: 56.3%
College enrollment: 68.3%
% Taking SAT: 89.6
Average total SAT score: 1297
# Taking AP tests: 58
AP Pass rate: 48.3%
With college-prep support courses, research fundamentals taught to freshmen and class sizes of 19, kids get thoughtful attention that helps struggling learners thrive. Twice-weekly “house classes” let students build rapport with teachers. Electives include forensics and sociology; six APs are offered.
How we ranked them: The New York Post’s high-school rankings are based on the latest available state and city data, using these factors:
- Four-year-graduation rate (weight: 10%)
- Percent of students scoring over 85 on Regents Integrated Algebra and Regents English Language Arts exams, including Common Core (20%)
- Number of students taking Advanced Placement exams (7.5%)
- Percent scoring a passing 3, 4, or 5 on AP exams (22.5%)
- Number taking SAT exams (10%)
- Average total SAT scores (30%)*
*SAT scores from 2014-15 were based on math, critical reading and writing sections with a maximum 2400 score. The SAT has since made the essay optional and returned to a 1600-point scale.
Adjustments were made for schools that offer International Baccalaureate diplomas or college-level courses instead of AP and those which assess students by portfolios instead of state Regents exams.
– Joshua Tanzer