If you’re researching the best public high schools in Queens, you’ve already figured out what every savvy Queens parent knows: where your teen goes to school shapes daily life; commute, after-school schedules, weekend sports, and yes, it influences where you’ll want to live. Below is a clear, Queens-first guide that blends the newest U.S. News & World Report rankings with the on-the-ground context I share with families every week.
Queens at the top (literally): QHSS at York College
Queens is home to the #1 public high school in New York State this year: Queens High School for the Sciences at York College (QHSS) in Jamaica. It also lands #25 nationwide, an elite national placement for any public school.
What stands out: QHSS is one of NYC’s eight Specialized High Schools (admission via the SHSAT). It’s renowned for rigorous STEM coursework and a tight-knit culture. If your student loves math and science and thrives in challenge, put this on your radar early.
Real-life fit: Specialized means selective. Consider commute, readiness for accelerated pace, and the support systems your teen will need (tutoring, clubs, downtime). A top rank is great; a great fit is better.
Flushing favorite: Townsend Harris High School
Over in Flushing, Townsend Harris High School continues to be a powerhouse—#12 in New York and #123 in the U.S. in the latest U.S. News list.
What stands out: Humanities strength, serious college prep, and a service-learning ethos.
Real-life fit: Many families love the balance: challenging academics without losing the arts, clubs, and a strong school community. If you want rigor plus a well-rounded experience, tour here.
Long Island City’s IB gem: Baccalaureate School for Global Education (BSGE)
LIC’s Baccalaureate School for Global Education is a small, selective IB program that reliably ranks among New York’s strongest. This year it sits at #286 nationally per U.S. News.
What stands out: International Baccalaureate focus (critical thinking, global perspective), small-school feel, and strong outcomes.
Real-life fit: Fewer seats mean competitive admissions; families who value the IB approach and a smaller environment often find BSGE a perfect match.
Fresh Meadows mainstay: Francis Lewis High School
Francis Lewis High School in Fresh Meadows is a large, spirited campus with extensive academies and AP options—ranked #823 nationally in U.S. News.
What stands out: Scale and choice. From JROTC to STEM and humanities, it’s a “build-your-own-path” kind of place.
Real-life fit: Bigger school = more offerings and a lively after-school scene. If your teen thrives with options, this is worth a close look.
All-girls leadership pipeline: Young Women’s Leadership School of Queens
In Jamaica, The Young Women’s Leadership School of Queens pairs a college-going culture with mentorship and enrichment, ranking #344 nationally this year.
What stands out: Smaller classes, leadership focus, and an environment where girls are encouraged to take intellectual risks.
Real-life fit: Great for students who benefit from close adult attention and a community that centers confidence and voice.
Health-pathway option: Queens Gateway to Health Sciences
Also in Jamaica, Queens Gateway to Health Sciences Secondary School offers a defined health-sciences pathway and posts a #521 national ranking in U.S. News.
What stands out: Exposure to medical and health careers, partnerships, and a clear program focus.
Real-life fit: Ideal if your teen is already eyeing nursing, medicine, or allied health—and wants coursework and internships to match.
How to read the rankings (without losing your mind)
Rankings are helpful, but they’re one lens. U.S. News weighs state test performance, graduation rates, college readiness, and other indicators. That’s useful, but it doesn’t tell you whether your teen will love the choir, get playing time on JV, or have an easy trip home from late practices. Use rankings to shortlist; use fit to decide.
Key Queens realities to consider:
Admissions type matters. Specialized (SHSAT), screened, audition-based, and open-choice models each affect your strategy and timeline.
Commute is quality of life. A 70-minute each-way trek is tough after labs or rehearsal.
Size + culture: Some students bloom in big schools; others need a smaller one.
Course map: Check AP/IB menus, electives, and senior-year options.
Clubs & sports: This is where friendships and confidence often take off.
Quick neighborhood notes (from a broker who walks these blocks)
Jamaica is a magnet for high performers right now (QHSS, TYWLS, Queens Gateway). If you’re comparing commutes from Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, or Briarwood, it’s a straight shot by bus or E/J trains.
Flushing/Fresh Meadows give you Townsend Harris and Francis Lewis—two very different experiences within a short drive.
Long Island City has the BSGE IB option in a fast-growing neighborhood with new housing and transit access.
A simple plan to choose well
Make the short list. Start with the programs above that fit your teen’s interests.
Visit in person. Tour during open houses; watch class changes, listen in the hallways.
Ask about the schedule. How many advanced classes can a junior actually take? What support exists if they struggle?
Map the commute. Try it at dismissal time when it’s crowded and real.
Picture your week. Where will your teen stay for clubs? Can they get a snack nearby? How late is too late?
Final word (and a neighborly nudge)
Queens families are lucky; our borough includes some of the top-ranked public high schools in New York and the U.S. But the “best” school is the one where your teen feels seen, challenged, and supported. Start with the rankings; end with what fits your student and your life.
If you want a housing plan that lines up with the schools on your short list: zoning, commute, after-school logistics, I’m here. I’ll help you narrow neighborhoods, time your search, and make the move feel easy. Let’s connect.
Note: Rankings update annually; confirm the latest data when you apply.