At a Glance
A large career and technical high school with competitive admissions, near-universal parent trust, and zero suspensions — but where teachers express lower trust in leadership than families do
Families seeking a career and technical education pathway with specialized programs in IT, CAD, or visual arts — and who value strong parent-school relationships. Parents who prioritize PTA-funded enrichment may be disappointed by the low fundraising levels. Families should weigh whether the teacher leadership trust gap matters for their child's experience, and those relying on transit should carefully evaluate commute times.
- Zero suspensions in a school of 2,200+ students — exceptional discipline record
- Competitive screened admissions with low offer rates (4.3-11.1%) for specialized programs
- Near-universal parent trust: 97% principal trust, 95% teacher trust
- 100/100 program richness score with diverse offerings from robotics to debate to automotive
- Women In Tech program and dedicated STEM pathways including Math Team and Robotics Team
- Strong arts programming with Visual Arts as a major admissions category
- PTA fundraising is extremely low at $3 per student versus $165 district average — limited parent-funded extras
- Teacher-principal trust (65%) and teacher collegial trust (68%) are significantly below parent trust levels
- Teacher-reported instruction quality (87%) falls below the district average of 92%
- No state test proficiency data provided, making academic performance difficult to assess
- Competitive admissions mean not all applicants will secure spots — especially for CAD (4.3% offer rate)
- Larger school (2,233 students) may feel impersonal for some families
Based on 2024-25 data
School SummaryDistrict 28
Unable to position precisely among peer schools — the provided peer list contains elementary and K-8 schools (P.S. 196, P.S. 101, P.S. 121, etc.) which cannot be directly compared to a 9-12 CTE high school. As District 28's primary career and technical education option with screened admissions, Edison occupies a distinct niche among the district's schools, drawing applicants from across Queens with competitive entry thresholds.
As a career and technical education school with screened admissions, Thomas Edison offers specialized programs that attract academically motivated applicants — Visual Arts, Information Technologies, and Computer Aided Design see 7.7%, 11.1%, and 4.3% offer rates respectively, making admission competitive. The school offers AP Courses, STEM pathways including Robotics and a Women In Tech program, and maintains a 100/100 program richness score. However, teacher-reported instruction quality (87%) falls below the district average of 92%, suggesting some discrepancy between program offerings and classroom experience.
The school's discipline record is exemplary: zero suspensions in the current year, compared to a district average of 0.37%. Family survey response rate of 39% (813 responses) indicates solid parent engagement, and parents express near-universal satisfaction (94%) and trust in both teachers (95%) and the principal (97%). However, the teacher survey tells a different story — teacher-principal trust sits at just 65% and teacher collegial trust at 68%, both notably lower than parent trust. This gap suggests a divide between how families experience the school and how staff perceive leadership. Teacher instruction quality ratings (87%) also fall below the district average of 92%, which may relate to these trust dynamics.
The school enrolls 2,233 students in a demographics profile that mirrors Queens' diversity: 51% Asian, 23% Hispanic, 15% Black, 4% White, 5% Native American, and 1% Multi-Racial. With a diversity index of 70% and 62% economic need index, the student body represents a mix of backgrounds and financial situations. The neighborhood's 23% households with children and 44% BA+ education rate suggest a community that values educational attainment. At 14%, the school has a moderate IEP population.
Jamaica Hills-Briarwood is a middle-income Queens neighborhood with a median household income of $83,991, 39.6% homeownership, and 13.4% poverty rate. The area has an education orientation score of 54.79, suggesting moderate academic focus among residents. Safety scores (46.74) and transit access (27.59) are relatively low compared to other NYC neighborhoods, which families should factor into commute planning. The neighborhood has a 61.3 health environment score and average family density (46.74).
Transit access scores low at 27.59, suggesting many families will rely on buses or cars. Parents should consider commute times carefully, especially for after-school activities — the area is more car-dependent than many other Queens neighborhoods.
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 813 families responded (39% rate)
Programs & Activities
Admissions Demand
Preparation for careers in one of the following visual arts areas: Graphic Arts, Digital Media, or Mobile Apps & Web Design/Developer. With a major focus on hands on instruction, these programs prepare students for relevant college majors with exposure to careers in all areas of visual arts. Industry certification (Adobe Certified Associate), dual enrollment, and articulated college credit courses included. Visit www.EdisonCTE.org for more information about our Visual Arts programs.
Preparation for careers in one of these information technology areas: Apple Service Technician, Internetworking, IT Specialist, and Cyber Security. With a major focus on hands on instruction, these programs prepare students for relevant college majors with exposure to careers in all areas of IT, industry certification (A+, Apple Certified Technician, Network+, Security+), dual enrollment, and articulated college courses. Visit www.EdisonCTE.org for more information about our IT programs.
Preparation for careers in the creative world of Architecture and Design. With a major focus on hands on instruction, this program prepares students to enter the field of architecture, construction, and engineering. Industry certification (AutoCAD & Autodesk Revit), dual enrollment, and articulated college credit courses included. Visit www.EdisonCTE.org for more information about our Architecture & Engineering program.
Preparation for careers in electrical & solar technology. With a major focus on hands on instruction, this program prepares students with a focus on low voltage systems, residential wiring, motors/motor controls, and solar technology. Exposure to careers in all areas of electrical & solar technology. Industry certification (OSHA, NCCER, and Energy Management). Visit www.EdisonCTE.org for more information about our Electrical & Solar Technology program.
Preparation for careers in one of the following automotive areas: Automotive Technology and Collision & Refinishing. With a major focus on hands on instruction, these programs prepare students for relevant college majors with exposure to careers in all areas of the automotive industry. Industry certification (ASE and i-Car), dual enrollment, and articulated college credit courses included. Visit www.EdisonCTE.org for more information about our Automotive and Collision & Refinishing programs.
Preparation for careers in computer science and engineering. With a major focus on hands on instruction and computer coding (Python, Java, and C++), this program prepares students with a focus on learning basic robot and drone building instructions, programming, movement, and working with sensors. Projects incorporate STEM concepts. Industry certification (OSHA and MTA: Intro to Python) Visit www.EdisonCTE.org for more information about our Robotics/STEM & Drone program.
Preparation for careers in the exciting world of Medicine. With a major focus on hands on instruction, this program focuses on the medical profession and prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies for success in college pre-med programs. Industry certification (AMCA and NOCTI: Medical Assisting), dual enrollment, and articulated college credit courses included. Visit www.EdisonCTE.org for more information about our Medical Assisting program.
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 Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School yet on Motley. It's a public school serving grades 9 to 12 in Jamaica Hills-Briarwood.
- What grades does Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School serve?
- Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School serves grades 9 to 12.
- How do students get into Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School?
- Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School is a screened school — it admits by application, weighing grades, attendance, and sometimes a test or interview.
- Is Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School public, charter, or private?
- Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School is a public school in NYC Community School District 28.
- What neighborhood is Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School in?
- Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School is in Jamaica Hills-Briarwood, Queens.
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