J.H.S. 185 Edward Bleeker

J.H.S. 185 Edward Bleeker is a highly-rated middle school in Flushing, consistently outperforming many other New York middle schools in academic achievement. The school emphasizes a strong educational foundation for 21st-century careers, with rigorous instruction, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Academic performance is a notable strength, with ELA and Math proficiency rates well above citywide medians, and a significant percentage of students participating in accelerated coursework. The school offers a rich interdisciplinary approach, including robust STEM and Software Engineering programs, athletics, music, and fine arts. Distinctive offerings include a Chinese-English dual language program, Mandarin Chinese instruction, and collaborations with cultural organizations. The school also prioritizes social-emotional development through programs like MindUP and Brain Power Wellness. While parent surveys indicate high satisfaction and strong family engagement, some student feedback points to concerns regarding bullying and occasional issues with staff conduct or school cleanliness. Overall, the school is known for its dedicated teachers and a wide array of academic and extracurricular opportunities, including SHSAT prep and the National Junior Honor Society.