Hillcrest High School
Grades: 9-12Our Insights
What’s Special
A small-school feel with the perks of a big school
The Downside
Overcrowding
Hillcrest is a large neighborhood school with a small school feel, catering instruction for a range of kids, including new immigrants, and offering a demanding science program for future MDs and RNs. It is divided into eight small programs with themes such as theater arts, business and teaching. Students and teachers overwhelmingly say the school is safe on school surveys, and most teachers would recommend the school to other families.
Students stream past a row of single-family homes up a gentle hill to get to the school. They pass through metal detectors into wide hallways and large classrooms that lessen the effects of overcrowding, as do three staggered entrance times. The school serves West Indian, Russian, Arab, South Asian, Dominican, Puerto Rican and African immigrants, as well as long-established African American families. A large selection of teams, electives, clubs, and languages (Spanish, French, Japanese) offers something for everyone. A bilingual Bengali program addresses the needs of the rapidly growing Bangladeshi community in Queens.
The school is overseen by one principal but each small learning community (SLC) has its own director, teaching staff and suite of classrooms. The SLC themes are health sciences, humanities, pre-med, theater arts, business tech, teaching, and public service and law, in addition to the zoned program. Math, science, social studies, English and most elective classes take place within each SLC, but teens mingle with the wider campus population in sports, clubs, arts and music.
Small learning communities quickly helped this once chaotic school raise its 4-year graduation rate and lower suspensions. Teachers build their careers here and report a high level of satisfaction. Hillcrest received a rating of “well developed,” the highest rating, on the city’s quality review for teacher effectiveness. Students say they are engaged and interested in their programs, classes and activities.
Even so, the four-year graduation rate hovers around the citywide average and many graduates are not ready for college-level work. “There is a subset of students we’re not reaching even with that great teaching,” said principal David Morrison, a Hillcrest alumnus, who served as assistant principal of English for several years before he took the helm in 2014.
Many 9th graders arrive with weak reading skills and some teens miss more than 18 days of school. New immigrants face unique challenges. Morrison said, “Things happen in their life and they become long-term absences.” Getting teens to school every day is a “constant heavy lift,” but the principal said he believes it is helped by strong instruction and “follow-up by teachers and the parent coordinator to bring students back in.”
Hillcrest offers many Advanced Placement courses and teachers make them accessible to every child who can do the work, not just honors students. “If you work hard and persevere, any student can be successful with support,” such as in study groups, or with peer tutoring or teacher help, Morrison said.
College classes are held at Hillcrest in partnership with York College and Queensborough Community College. Students attend Queens College, Hunter College and Stony Brook University, among others.(Lydie Raschka, web data and interview, February 2018)
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School Stats
Academics
Students
Race/Ethnicity
Safety & Vibe
Faculty & Staff
Teachers’ Race/Ethnicity
College and Career Readiness
Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryAcademy of Performing and Visual Arts (Q24L)
Program Description:
The Hillcrest Academy of Performing and Visual Arts offers a rigorous four-year program comprising three distinct tracks: theater, music, and visual arts. Each track features a diverse range of courses, including acting, technical theater, AP 2-D Art, graphic design, orchestra, and marching band, among others, fostering proficiency in various art forms. Throughout the year, students have numerous opportunities to showcase their talents in various settings. Additionally, Hillcrest facilitates partnerships with arts organizations, encouraging students to participate in internships and summer programs. Theater students, in particular, work alongside these partners to enhance their understanding of all aspects of production. Upon fulfilling the requirements of the theater and visual arts tracks, students graduate with a Chancellor's Endorsed Arts Diploma.
Academy of Public Service and Law (Q24P)
Program Description:
Empowering Tomorrows Leaders in Law, Education & Public Service: students don't just study, they lead, serve, and make change. Through three (3) immersive pathways: Law, Teaching, and JROTC Leadership: we prepare socially responsible, college-ready students for impactful careers in law, education, and public service. 1) In the Law Pathway: From Classroom to Courtroom Future lawyers and advocates begin their journey in 9th grade with a four-year Legal Studies track. Courses include : Introduction to Law, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Constitutional Law, Legal Research, Mock Trials, and Moot Court. College Readiness: Builds foundations for majors in Political Science, Criminal Justice, and Pre-Law. Real-World experiences include Courtroom visits & professional mentorships (e.g., NYU Women in Law) Competitions and partenrships. 2)In the Education Pathway, we Inspire the next generation of teachers and education leaders. Courses include Introduction to Teaching, Child Development, Teaching Practicum, Instructional Practices College & Career Prep: Paid internship in senior year through Future Ready NYC, CUNY Explorers college tours Leadership workshops and public speaking trainingPartners: Future Ready NYC, Read Alliance, Junior Achievement Skills Gained: Lesson planning, classroom management, and leadership from day one. 3) In the JROTC Leadership Pathway: Service, Discipline & Honor. Students develop strong, civic-minded leaders ready to serve their communities and beyond: Cadet Life: 4-year JROTC program with structured rank advancement, leadership roles, and mentorship. Military Traditions: Drill & ceremony, color guard, and physical fitness Civic Engagement: Volunteer service, community outreach, and team-building Career Readiness: Emphasis on discipline, time management, and goal setting Why Q24P? Hands-On Learning in every pathway College-Ready Curriculum with real-world experiencesLeadership Development & professional mentorship, Certifications & Internships to build standout resumes, Civic Responsibility at the core of every program Q24P students graduate empowered to lead with purpose, confidence, and integrity.
Health Sciences & Software Engineering (Q24A)
Program Description:
Empowering Future Innovators in Healthcare, Engineering & Computer Science: Q24A blends cutting-edge technology, health sciences, and engineering in one dynamic, CTE-endorsed program. With hands-on coursework, industry certifications, and senior projects, students graduate ready for college, careers, and the ever-evolving 21st-century workforce. Health Sciences Pathway: From Classroom to Clinic. Prepare for a rewarding career in healthcare through academic rigor and real-world experience. Courses by Grade: 9th Grade: Introduction to Healthcare, 10th Grade: Introduction to Health Core covers anatomy, health occupations, and professional behavior, 11th Grade: Introduction to Nursing Assistant emphasizes nursing theory, anatomy, and medical writing,12th Grade: Certified Nursing Assistant Clinical supervised clinical rotations, elder care, patient skills Certifications & Recognition include: NOCTI NYS CTE Certified Nursing Assistant, 54+ Work-Based Learning hours, Senior Project completion, Students are eligible for paid and unpaid internships in hospitals, clinics, and health agencie In the Software In the Engineering & Robotics Pathway: Students master essential skills in programming, web development, and digital design, with access to advanced software and tools. Courses by Grade:9th Grade: Introduction to Robotics; Intro to Software Engineering using SNAP & Python, 10th Grade: Introduction to Business & Computer Applications, TinkerCAD, CNC Milling, and Laser Engraving, 11th Grade: Web Development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Flask), Intro to JAVA Applications, 12th Grade: AP Computer Science A (JAVA), Capstone Senior Project
Hillcrest High School ACES 15:1 Program (Q24Y)
Pre-College and Honors Academy (Q24H)
Program Description:
Pre-College and Honors Academy is an Honors College Preparatory Program offering scholars an opportunity to receive 18 or more College Credits through the Advanced Placement (AP) College Board, and additional college credits through our liasons with LaGuardia Community College and CUNY York College. Students can achieve up to 24 college credits before they graduate from High School. College Classes in Highschool with York College, St. Johns University, and Colombia University. All AP Courses and Honors Content Classes are weighted to allow students to achieve Grade Point Averages (GPAs) above 100. GOALS For A Pre-College Student: Advanced Regents Diploma; 9 Regents Exams: ELA, 3 Math Courses, Foreign Language, 2 Science Courses, Global History, 9th Regents can be US History, or another Science AP Capstone Diploma/CertificateModel United Nations, Film Studies, Journalism, Creative Writing, AP and College Courses prepare students for College and beyond.
Pre-Med School of Scientific Research (STEM) (Q24J)
Program Description:
Courses offered leading toward medical STEM careers: AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, AP Calculus, AP Spanish, AP Computer Science, AP English Composition, AP English Literature, Chemistry, Anatomy, Physics, STEM Research Academy at York College, STEM Science Research Internship opportunities, NASA-Global Warming and Climate Change, Science Research-Environmental Science, Medical Laboratory, Microbiology, and CUNY College Now Courses. Participant in NYSEF and STEM MATTERS DOE.
Zoned (Q24Z)
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryAdvanced Courses
Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP European History, AP Macroeconomics, AP Physics 1, AP Pre-Calculus, AP Psychology, AP Research, AP Seminar, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art - 2D, AP United States Government and Politics, AP United States History, AP World History: Modern, Biology (College Course [Credited]), Chemistry (Advanced Science), Econ/Gov (College Course [Credited]), ELA (College Course [Credited]), ELA (College Course [Uncredited]), Math (College Course [Credited]), Other (College Course [Credited]), Physics (Advanced Science), Science (College Course [Credited]), Social Studies (College Course [Credited]), World Languages (Advanced World Languages), World Languages (College Course [Credited])
Boys PSAL teams
Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball, Wrestling
Girls PSAL teams
Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Gymnastics, Handball, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball
Coed PSAL teams
Cricket, Golf
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
160-05 Highland Avenue
Queens
NY
11432
Trains:
to Parsons Blvd
Buses: Q1, Q110, Q111, Q112, Q113, Q114, Q115, Q17, Q24, Q25, Q30, Q31, Q36, Q40, Q41, Q43, Q44-SBS, Q54, Q56, Q6, Q65, Q75, Q8, Q82, Q83, Q9, QM68
Contact
Other Details
This school is in its own building.
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