At a Glance
A high-pressure, high-achieving specialized high school in a family-oriented neighborhood where elite admissions attract ambitious students from across Queens
Families whose academically-motivated teenagers have been admitted through competitive specialized program admissions and thrive in high-pressure, achievement-oriented environments. Best for students who want rigorous academics, rich extracurriculars, and a diverse peer group — and for families who can navigate the commute since transit options are limited. Families seeking a more relaxed high school experience or stronger PTA involvement may want to look elsewhere.
- Three highly competitive specialized programs attracting thousands of applicants (offer rates 4-7%)
- Exceptional program richness (100/100) with 40+ extracurriculars including robotics, mock trial, and media production
- Zero suspensions — a notably clean discipline record
- Strong teacher instruction quality (92%) exceeding district average
- Diverse student body with 77% diversity index
- Parent satisfaction (87%) runs below the district average (92%) — worth understanding why during a tour
- Teacher-principal trust (80%) is notably lower than other trust metrics — a potential leadership gap
- PTA fundraising is very low at $4/student versus district average of $96 — limited parent organization funding
- Extremely competitive admissions with 4-7% offer rates for specialized programs — your child needs to apply strategically
- Limited transit access means driving is typically required
Based on 2024-25 data
School SummaryDistrict 26
Among District 26 schools (which include highly-rated elementary schools like P.S. 098 The Douglaston School at 94/100), Cardozo stands out as the district's specialized high school option with intense academic focus. The district's elementary schools perform strongly, but Cardozo represents a different proposition — a large, competitive high school rather than a neighborhood elementary. Parent satisfaction here is below district averages, contrasting with the high-performing elementary schools that serve the same community.
State test data wasn't provided, but with teacher instruction quality rated at 92% (above the district average of 90%) and a curriculum anchored in three highly competitive specialized programs, academics here are clearly a priority. The school offers AP courses alongside its signature programs in Political Science/Law, Journalism, and DaVinci Science/Math Biomedical — all of which draw intense applicant interest with offer rates between 4-7%. The 25.5 average class size matches the district average, meaning class sizes are typical for the area.
The survey data reveals a school where teachers feel confident in their instructional abilities (92%) and maintain strong collegial trust (87%), though teacher-principal trust sits lower at 80% — a gap worth noting. Parents report solid trust in teachers (89%) and the principal (90%), but overall parent satisfaction at 87% trails the district average of 92%. With zero suspensions and a 21% family survey response rate, the day-to-day feel appears orderly and engaged, though the lower response rate may indicate some parent disconnect. The zero suspension rate is notably better than the district average of 0.1%.
Cardozo's student body is diverse: 42% Asian, 21% Black, 23% Hispanic, 11% White, with a diversity index of 77% — reflecting the broader Bayside neighborhood which has a 56.3% economic need index and moderate household incomes. The school draws students from across the district through its competitive admissions, meaning the student body is academically selected rather than purely neighborhood-based. At 15%, the IEP student population is served through the SE grade range.
Bayside is a stable, family-oriented Queens neighborhood with a strong education orientation (94th percentile), high safety scores (73.56), and predominantly owner-occupied housing (65%). The median home value is $957,000, and only 8.7% of residents live in poverty. Transit access is limited (21st percentile), so most families drive or get dropped off. The area scores extremely high on health environment (98th percentile), suggesting clean air and good resources.
Bayside is car-dependent with limited transit options — families should expect driving or drop-off routines. The neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly for those who live within walking distance.
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 573 families responded (21% rate)
Programs & Activities
Admissions Demand
This program is dedicated to fostering interest in the political and legal fields. It is open to a wide range of academic performance levels. Students will engage in a sequence of history courses in topics including political theory, ethics, civil, criminal, and constitutional law. They will also participate in activities such as Mock Trial, NYPD Explorers, and law and political field internship.
This program is designed for students who have an interest in pursuing a career in media, broadcasting, and journalism.
Biomedical Science students will study the concepts of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology and public health. This program is in partnership with Project Lead the Way (PLTW).
Students study ballet, modern, and jazz techniques along with choreography. Students also have the opportunity to explore additional forms of dance by attending live performances and participating in school productions.
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
PTA Fundraising
Source: DOE Local Law 171 disclosure
Economic Need & Special Populations
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Benjamin N. Cardozo High School a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for Benjamin N. Cardozo High School yet on Motley. It's a public school serving grades 9 to 12 in Bayside.
- What grades does Benjamin N. Cardozo High School serve?
- Benjamin N. Cardozo High School serves grades 9 to 12.
- How do students get into Benjamin N. Cardozo High School?
- Benjamin N. Cardozo High School admits by audition — applicants are judged on a performance, portfolio, or talent area.
- Is Benjamin N. Cardozo High School public, charter, or private?
- Benjamin N. Cardozo High School is a public school in NYC Community School District 26.
- What neighborhood is Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in?
- Benjamin N. Cardozo High School is in Bayside, Queens.
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