Did you know a high school once closed due to budget cuts but was reborn by determined alumni? That’s the story of Townsend Harris High School. It is a beacon of humanities education in Queens. Let’s dive into the past and present of this remarkable institution.
Townsend Harris High School finds its roots in the aspirations of Townsend Harris Hall Prep School alumni. They yearned to revive their beloved school after its closure in the 1940s. Their dream materialized in 1984. The school was named for Townsend Harris. He was a 19th-century American diplomat. He served as the first American Consul to Japan. Students and alumni proudly call themselves Harrisites.
Malcolm Largmann was the first principal. He championed classical education and handpicked the original faculty. The school started in a small building on Parsons Boulevard. It was meant to be temporary. In 1995, Townsend Harris found a permanent home on the campus of Queens College.
Eileen F. Lebow chronicled the original school’s history. Her book is called The Bright Boys. After Largmann’s retirement, Brian Condon became principal.
Admission to Townsend Harris is highly competitive. Over 15000 students vie for about 270 seats in the freshman class each year. The school considers middle school grades. It considers standardized test scores and attendance records. A minimum grade point average of 91 was required before the COVID-19 pandemic. Now students are grouped in tiers based on their 7th-grade core subject averages. Tier 1 students with averages greater than 94 get priority. Applicants must also submit a short video and a humanities or science essay.
Townsend Harris High School boasts a rigorous academic program. All students take a fifth year of English. It’s a Writing Process composition course. They study Spanish French or Japanese for modern language. They must also study Latin or classical Greek for two years. Physical education is emphasized especially in the freshman year. Seniors complete a senior project. A variety of electives and AP classes are available. AP World History became mandatory in 2004. Every subject requires at least one major project a year called collaterals.
The Bridge Year program is a notable feature. Students in good standing can take up to 12 credits at Queens College for free. They attend an elective course taught by Queens College faculty. They also attend a required humanities seminar. It is co-taught by Harris teachers and Queens College faculty. The curriculum mirrors Great Books seminars. Critical reading and writing are emphasized.
Townsend Harris was originally an all-boys school. Now it welcomes all genders. The student body is diverse. As of 2023, Asian students make up the largest segment with 57%. White and Hispanic students each comprise 16%. Black students make up 6%. Sixty percent of students are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds as of 2024.
The school has a 99% graduation rate. Harrisites consistently achieve high scores on standardized examinations.
Townsend Harris High School has earned several accolades. It was named a 21st Century School of Distinction in 2004. It was named a Lighthouse School. In 2005 and 2006, it had the highest percentage of students passing Regents exams. It won the Intel Schools of Distinction Award in Science Excellence in 2008. The Classic school newspaper has received the First Amendment Press Freedom Award six times.
Many notable alumni have walked these halls. They include journalist Neil Drumming and comedian Hari Kondabolu. Politician Nily Rozic is also an alumna.
Townsend Harris High School stands as a testament to the power of community and the pursuit of excellence. Its rich history rigorous academics and dedicated students make it a truly exceptional institution.