Aviation High School

Tucked away in Long Island City, Aviation High School isn’t your typical high school. It’s a place where dreams literally take flight. Aviation High School, officially known as Aviation Career & Technical Education High School, has been around since 1936. Originally called the Manhattan School of Aviation Trades, it moved to its current location in Queens in 1958. The school occupies an entire city block. Imagine a seven-story building, complete with academic classrooms, specialized aviation maintenance labs, and even a hangar. Inside this hangar, seniors work on retired aircraft, many donated by the U.S. military. The school’s main focus is training future Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified airframe and powerplant technicians. Students spend a significant portion of their day in “shop” classes, focusing on aircraft structure and systems. They learn from FAA-certified AMTs, and interestingly, almost 55% of the school’s teachers are alumni. Aviation High School isn’t just about technical skills. Students also receive a well-rounded education, studying traditional subjects like English, math, science, and social studies. They can even enroll in advanced placement courses, college credit classes, and advanced math and science programs. Aviation High School also has an extension campus at JFK Airport, called “the Annex,” opened in 2000. The school has undergone significant renovations since the 2015-2016 school year, including upgrades to the gymnasium, cafeteria, rooftops, and windows in the auditorium, gymnasium, and hangar. Aviation High School has a rich history and boasts a remarkable 98% graduation rate. It has produced some notable alumni, including a former WBO World Heavyweight Champion and an Olympic silver medalist. So, the next time you’re in Long Island City and see those planes parked behind Aviation High School, remember the unique learning and innovation happening inside. It’s a place where students not only learn about aviation but also gain skills that prepare them for a variety of successful careers.