Townsend Harris - What You Need To Know

All About Townsend Harris High School:

Townsend Harris High School has half day every Friday. Townsend Harris High School (THHS) in 149-11 Melbourne Ave, Kew Gardens Hills, NY 11367 is a top-ranked, selective NYC public magnet school known for its humanities-focused curriculum, rigorous academics, and partnership with Queens College. Frequently ranked #1 in NYC and NY State, it features honors/AP classes for all students, a unique Classical Greek/Latin requirement, and a "Writer's Academy". 

Admission:

Townsend Harris High School (THHS) admission is highly competitive, requiring a 95+ average in 7th-grade core classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies). A 500-word essay, and a two-minute video submission. As a screened school, it evaluates applicants based on 7th-grade academic performance and supplemental materials, with the process often finalized through MySchools.

 Screened Assessment: 

Admission involves a review of academic records, a tailored essay, and a video submission, often weighted to create a total application score.

Essay & Video: 

Students must submit a video (approx. 2 minutes) and an essay (approx. 500 words) based on prompts designed to showcase personality and fit for the school’s academic culture.

Important Information

Rank Requirement: Although a lottery number may be used as a tie-breaker, putting Townsend Harris as a high preference (ideally 1st) in the application process is crucial for admission. The criteria have shifted frequently, often moving toward a "screened" model that emphasizes grades and portfolio submissions (essay/video) over a purely random lottery.

Admissions Data: The school receives thousands of applicants, with acceptance rates historically low, sometimes likened to elite universities. 

It is highly recommended to attend virtual information sessions offered by the school in late winter (February/March) for the most up-to-date information.

School Statistics:

Townsend Harris High School is one of New York City's most selective public schools, with a highly competitive acceptance rate estimated at approximately 2.7% for general education applicants. As a top-ranked, screened school, admission is based on strict academic criteria, including grades, an essay, and a video.

Some of the Classes and Club that Townsend Harris offer:

Townsend Harris High School (THHS) offers a rigorous humanities-focused curriculum with mandatory Classical Languages (Latin/Greek), a Freshman Writing Process course, and college-level courses through Queens College, including Senior Humanities Research. Students engage in extensive AP offerings, specialized arts (photography/film), and a wide variety of extracurriculars, including Science Olympiad, Mock Trial, MUN, and numerous student-led cultural clubs.

Key Academic Classes (Core and Specialized)

• Humanities/Languages: Mandatory Latin or Classical Greek (2 years)

• Freshman Writing/Composition, and advanced humanities electives

Advanced Placement (AP): Extensive options including:

• AP English (Lang/Lit)

• US History

• World History

• Psychology

• Calculus (AB/BC)

• Statistics

• AP Bio/Chem/Physics/Environmental Science

• AP Spanish/Japanese/Latin.

Science & Tech:

• Science Research

• Robotics (Electrical/Mechanical Systems)

• Anatomy & Physiology

• Biomedical Ethics.

Art & Music:

• Studio Art

• Photography

• Film/Animation

• Band

• String Ensemble

Physical Education:

• 9th/10th grade PE Survey (6-week rotating units).

Clubs and Extracurriculars: Academic Teams:

1. Math Team

2. Mock Trial

3. Model UN

4. Quizbowl

5. Science Olympiad

6. Robtics

7. Publications/Media: The Classic (newspaper),

8. The Phoenix (literary magazine)

9. Art Club

10. Digital Media Club

11. Arts & Performance: Nightingale Theatre Company

12. Hawkappella

13. K-Pop Dance

14. Chamber Music.

15. Service & Activism: Key Club,

16. Red Cross Club

17. Girl Up

18. Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA)

19. Cultural & Interest: Black Excellence

20. Jewish Club

21. Muslim Student Association (MSA)

22. Asian American Association

23. Culinary Connections

24. Gaming Club.

Key Extracurricular Highlights[Freshmen Grade Leaders/Big Sib Little Sib]: Mentorship programs.[S!NG]: Competitive musical performance between grades.[Civic Leaders of America]: Active political science group.