Established in 1875 Flushing High School is the oldest public high school in New York City. Imagine a time before skyscrapers and bustling streets. This very spot held a different kind of history. Flushing High School’s original location was on the northeast corner of Union Street and Sanford Avenue. For decades it enjoyed a stellar reputation. Local real estate brochures boasted proximity to the famed Flushing High School well into the 1960s.
But times changed. By the 1980s the student body transformed. It was no longer primarily Jewish and Asian. The school’s performance declined. In the 2010s an attempt to improve conditions resulted in the entire staff reapplying for their jobs in 2017. Since then however there has been progress. Graduation rates rose significantly. They went from 63% in 2017 to 83% in 2021.
Before you stands the impressive Collegiate Gothic style building. It’s a testament to the school’s enduring legacy. Constructed between 1912 and 1915 it features turrets and gargoyles. A wing was added in 1954. The building is a designated New York City landmark. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. The Federal Art Project funded murals. James Penney painted four murals in 1938. They are part of the school’s rich history.
Flushing High School has produced remarkable alumni. There’s Jerry Bock composer of Fiddler on the Roof. Lynn Burke an Olympic gold medalist swimmer is also an alumna. Calvin O Butts a prominent pastor and the president of the 1967 senior class attended the school. Many other notable figures including athletes musicians and even a judge have graced its halls.
The legacy of Flushing High School is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a story of resilience adaptation and a commitment to education. This venerable institution continues to shape lives and contribute to the rich tapestry of New York City. This grand old school stands as a symbol of perseverance and the enduring power of education. It continues to educate and inspire future generations.