At a Glance
A large, highly competitive screened high school with extreme admissions selectivity and deeply engaged families, though teacher-principal trust shows tension
Families seeking a large, academically rigorous screened high school with extremely competitive admissions and strong family engagement. Best for families who prioritize academic programs (especially STEM or dual language), can handle a potentially long commute, and value high parent satisfaction and low disciplinary issues. Families should be aware of the teacher-principal trust disconnect and investigate whether it affects their student's daily experience.
- Ultra-competitive admissions with under-6% acceptance rates across all three specialized programs
- Zero suspensions — a rare achievement for a school this size
- Exceptionally high parent trust metrics (96-98%)
- Carl Sagan STEM Honors Academy is a major draw with 3,100+ applicants
- Rich program offerings including Dual Language, AP, Humanities, STEM, and multiple world languages
- Large, diverse student body (3,600+ students, 73% diversity index)
- Teacher-principal trust is notably low at 58% — there may be leadership tensions staff experience that families don't see
- Very low family survey response rate (11%) means the high satisfaction scores represent a subset of families
- Class sizes are large at 24.5 students on average despite district average being similar
- Commute may be significant since this is a borough-wide screened school with extreme demand
- The disconnect between high parent trust and low teacher-principal trust is a red flag worth investigating
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 28
District 28 includes several highly-rated elementary schools and this high school is the anchor for screened admissions in the area. The peer schools listed (P.S. 196, The Academy for Excellence through the Arts, P.S. 101) are elementary and K-8 schools, making direct comparison difficult. As the sole large screened high school in its district with highly competitive admissions, Forest Hills High School occupies a distinctive position — families seeking screened options in Queens have limited alternatives at this scale.
Test score data was not provided in this dataset, so direct proficiency comparisons aren't available. However, the school's rich academic programming — including AP Courses, STEM, Dual Language, Humanities, and World Languages — suggests a robust curriculum. The Carl Sagan STEM Honors Academy alone received over 3,100 applicants for 136 seats, indicating strong academic draw. The economic need index of 60.5% means the school serves a substantial population facing economic challenges, which shapes the student body despite the neighborhood's affluence.
The survey data reveals a striking pattern: families adore this school, but teachers have complicated feelings about leadership. Parent trust metrics are exceptional — 97% parent-teacher trust and 98% parent-principal trust — suggesting families feel heard and supported. Teacher instruction quality scores are strong at 91%, comparable to the district average. However, teacher-principal trust sits at only 58%, and teacher collegial trust at 74%, indicating that while instruction is solid, there's tension between staff and administration that parents may not experience directly. Zero suspensions is a notable achievement, suggesting either effective behavior management or a student body that doesn't generate disciplinary incidents.
With 3,629 students, this is one of the largest high schools in Queens. The student body is genuinely diverse — 40% Hispanic, 26% Asian, 26% White, 6% Black — yielding a diversity index of 73%. This diversity is a genuine strength in a neighborhood that's also diverse, though the economic need index of 60.5% means a majority of students come from economically disadvantaged households. The 17% IEP population suggests robust special education services. Family survey response rate was low at 11%, though 363 families did respond — the high satisfaction scores among those who participated are notable.
Forest Hills is one of Queens' most family-friendly, education-focused neighborhoods. With a median household income of $104,416, a 60.6% BA+ education rate, and an education orientation score of 85.44 (very high), families here prioritize academics. The homeownership rate of 49.8% and stability score of 48.66 indicate a mixed population of long-term residents and newer arrivals. Safety scores are moderate at 42.91 — families should know the neighborhood has some safety considerations, though it's generally considered a solid family area. Transit access is moderate at 43.3, and family density is high at 75.1, meaning lots of families with kids in the area.
Forest Hills is a walkable neighborhood with good access to the express subway lines. Families arrive from across Queens, and the school's draw is borough-wide, so many students commute. The area around 110th Street has some traffic to navigate.
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 363 families responded (11% rate)
Programs & Activities
Admissions Demand
Program available to students who possess oral fluency in Chinese language. Students will develop high literacy in Mandarin and learn about Chinese culture through a sequence of classes and activities culminating in an AP class and a special project.
Dual Language programs are designed to integrate English Language Learners with English-proficient students to receive content instruction in English and a target language.
This academy is a comprehensive science and math program for students who are interested in pursuing careers related to science, technology, engineering, and math. This program begins with a course in STEM fundamentals, which leads to four unique pathways of study: Research, Applied Sciences, Health Professions, and Engineering/Computer Programming. For more information go to our school website www.foresthillshs.org and click on Academics, Science Department.
This academy offers students the opportunity to study legal writing, civil, criminal, and constitutional law while developing higher order critical thinking and communication skills as they prepare for college and career. Students can participate in internships, jobsite visits, mock trial, and moot court.
One-year multimedia class with opportunity to take a three-year advanced sequence of all aspects of theater.
This academy includes beginning, intermediate, and advanced instruction on all band, orchestra, and percussion instruments as well as voice. Students take four sequential years of music theory that culminate in the NYC Music Comprehensive Exam. Our ensembles include: Beginning Band, Intermediate Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Beginning Orchestra, Intermediate Orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra, Beginning and Advanced Percussion, Vocal Training, Women's Choir, and Concert Choir.
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Economic Need & Special Populations
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Forest Hills High School a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for Forest Hills High School yet on Motley. It's a public school serving grades 9 to 12 in Forest Hills.
- What grades does Forest Hills High School serve?
- Forest Hills High School serves grades 9 to 12.
- How do students get into Forest Hills High School?
- Forest Hills High School admits by audition — applicants are judged on a performance, portfolio, or talent area.
- Is Forest Hills High School public, charter, or private?
- Forest Hills High School is a public school in NYC Community School District 28.
- What neighborhood is Forest Hills High School in?
- Forest Hills High School is in Forest Hills, Queens.
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