Townsend Harris High School is a public high school for the humanities in the New York City borough of Queens. It is located on the campus of Queens College, a public college part of the City University of New York system.
Serving 1,342 students in grades 9-12, Townsend Harris High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 90-94% (which is higher than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 79% (which is higher than the New York state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Asian), which is higher than the New York state average of 61% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,342 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 85%
- Graduation Rate: ≥99% (Top 1% in NY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 90-94% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 79% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥99% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Townsend Harris High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Townsend Harris High School's student population of 1,342 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 90 teachers has grown by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,342 students
Total Classroom Teachers
90 teachers
Year Founded
1984
Last Day of School
Fri. Jun 26, 2026
Campus Size
4 acres
School Rankings
Townsend Harris High School ranks within the top 5% of all 4,346 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Townsend Harris High School is 0.63, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.73. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#164 out of 4346 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
90-94%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
79%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥99%
78%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
57%
10%
Hispanic
16%
31%
Black
6%
15%
White
15%
39%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥99%
87%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
51%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Hawks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Townsend Harris High School's ranking?
Townsend Harris High School is ranked #164 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in New York.
What schools are Townsend Harris High School often compared to?
Townsend Harris High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Francis Lewis High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
90-94% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while 79% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
What is the graduation rate of Townsend Harris High School?
The graduation rate of Townsend Harris High School is 99%, which is higher than the New York state average of 87%.
How many students attend Townsend Harris High School?
1,342 students attend Townsend Harris High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
57% of Townsend Harris High School students are Asian, 16% of students are Hispanic, 15% of students are White, 6% of students are Black, 4% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Townsend Harris High School?
Townsend Harris High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does Townsend Harris High School offer ?
Townsend Harris High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Townsend Harris High School part of?
Townsend Harris High School is part of New York City Geographic District #25.
School Reviews
Review Townsend Harris High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
