At a Glance
A small, student-centered high school in Southeast Queens where nearly every family surveyed reports deep trust in teachers and principal.
Families who prioritize a tight-knit, trusting school community over competitive academics — particularly those in Southeast Queens who value the small-school feel, strong teacher-principal relationships, and a discipline-free environment. Parents who want transparent test score data or extensive PTA-funded enrichment may want to look elsewhere. Those with cars or flexible schedules will manage the low-transit neighborhood better.
- Near-universal trust: 99% of parents and teachers trust the principal, and parent-teacher trust hits 99%
- Zero suspensions last year despite a district average approaching 1%
- 94% of parents satisfied with the school — above the 91% district average
- 94% of teachers report high instruction quality — significantly above the 88% district average
- Small school (389 students) with average class size of 23.1 — teachers can personalize attention
- Full program richness: 100/100 score includes AP, STEM, arts, world languages, and extensive athletics
- No academic proficiency data available — parents can't see how students are performing on state tests
- Survey response rates are low (8% of families, 31 teachers), so the glowing numbers may not represent all families
- PTA fundraising is only $8 per student vs. $33 district average — fewer enrichment dollars
- Limited diversity — 82% of students are Black, which may or may not match family preferences
- Transit access is poor — families need cars or long bus commutes
- Only 25% of applicants got an offer last year — not highly competitive but not guaranteed
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 29
With no academic data to compare, Excelsior is hard to rank against peer schools like Success Academy Springfield Gardens (95/100) or P.S. 176 Cambria Heights (81/100). What we know is that its culture and climate scores are exceptional — among the highest in the district — and it operates as a small, safe, trusted option in an area where families value community. The zero suspension rate and above-average satisfaction suggest strong family alignment, but the lack of academic transparency is a real gap.
Academic proficiency data was not provided for this school year, so a direct comparison to the district averages (56.9% ELA, 53.7% Math) cannot be made. The school does offer AP courses and a STEM program, and its program richness score of 100/100 indicates a full complement of academic offerings including world languages and arts.
This is where Excelsior really stands out — the survey numbers are extraordinary. Parents report 94% satisfaction, and nearly every family and teacher surveyed trusts the principal at 99%. Teacher instruction quality scores 94%, well above the district average of 88%. There were zero suspensions last year, compared to a district average of nearly 1%. The school has achieved something rare: an environment where teachers trust each other (99% collegial trust) and families feel heard. The trade-off is that only 8% of families and 31 teachers responded to the surveys, so these very positive numbers come from a relatively small group.
With 82% Black students and an economic need index of 66.8%, Excelsior reflects its Southeast Queens neighborhood, which has a homeownership rate of 37% and a poverty rate of 11%. The diversity index is low at 37%, meaning the student body is less diverse than many city schools — this is a school where most students share similar backgrounds. About 18% of students have IEPs, and the school offers ELL support, indicating some multilingual learners. The 25% offer rate for general admissions shows modest demand — more applicants than seats, but far from competitive.
Springfield Gardens-Rochdale Village in Southeast Queens is a family-oriented area with a median home value around $386,000 and a homeownership rate of 37%. The neighborhood scores moderately for safety (61st percentile) and family density (38th percentile), with strong marks for health environment (85th percentile). Transit access is limited (37th percentile), meaning most families will need a car or rely on buses. The area has a low poverty rate (11%) and a moderate college education rate (25% of residents have a BA+).
This neighborhood is car-dependent for most families. The transit score is low, so parents should expect to drive or arrange carpools — walking to school isn't practical for most.
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 35 families responded (8% rate)
Programs & Activities
Admissions Demand
This program seeks to expose students to the foundation skills necessary for college success and for success in science, technology, engineering and math careers. These students are provided with an advisor who assists them in applying for and enrolling in enrichment programs that only those students are eligible for receiving. The students are provided with rigorous courses and are expected to graduate with an advanced regents diploma.
This program seeks to provide students with a college preparatory liberal arts curriculum. Students will be well rounded, taking courses such as English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art/Music, Physical Education and Technology, that will assist them to meet the requirements for a regents diploma at minimum. These students will also be required to engage in yearly community service projects that allow them to develop an understanding of community and the role they play in its development.
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 Excelsior Preparatory High School a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for Excelsior Preparatory High School yet on Motley. It's a public school serving grades 9 to 12 in Springfield Gardens (North)-Rochdale Village.
- What grades does Excelsior Preparatory High School serve?
- Excelsior Preparatory High School serves grades 9 to 12.
- How do students get into Excelsior Preparatory High School?
- Excelsior Preparatory High School uses the Educational Option (Ed-Opt) method, ranking applicants across performance levels so seats go to a mix of abilities.
- Is Excelsior Preparatory High School public, charter, or private?
- Excelsior Preparatory High School is a public school in NYC Community School District 29.
- What neighborhood is Excelsior Preparatory High School in?
- Excelsior Preparatory High School is in Springfield Gardens (North)-Rochdale Village, Queens.
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