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High School for Community Leadership

Grades 9-12 · 167-01 GOTHIC DRIVE · Queens

CARLOS BORRERO, Principal · 718-558-9801

About

High School for Community Leadership is a highly-rated, small college preparatory high school in Queens, known for its exceptional academic performance and challenging curriculum. It consistently ranks among the top high schools in New York, with students performing exceptionally well on Regents exams, often achieving proficiency rates significantly higher than district and state averages across various subjects. The school emphasizes an intense course sequence, critical thinking, and a strong foundation in mathematics, expecting students to pursue advanced math and science and apply to competitive colleges. Its four-year graduation rate is well above the citywide median, and a high percentage of graduates enroll in college. Parents and students describe a strong sense of community and a family-like atmosphere, with supportive and approachable teachers who provide extra help and individualized attention. The school offers imaginative coursework, career and technical education, and arts training, alongside a wide array of extracurricular activities and educational trips. It shares facilities, including a swimming pool and football field, within the Jamaica Educational Campus. While the school fosters a safe and orderly environment, metal detectors are present.

Sources (7)

Academics

Coursework, class size, and academic context.

Academic paceHigh-pushhigh confidence

Attendance rate

98%

Avg class size (general ed)

—

Avg class size (ICT)

—

AP & college-level courses^[1]

Algebra II (Advanced Math)
AP Calculus AB
AP Chemistry
AP English Language and Composition
AP English Literature and Composition
AP Environmental Science
AP Pre-Calculus
AP Psychology
AP United States Government and Politics
Chemistry (Advanced Science)
Physics (Advanced Science)
World Languages (Advanced World Languages)

12 Advanced Placement / college-level courses offered.

Arts offerings^[1]

Traditional and Studio Art
General Visual Arts
Design and Applied Arts
Theater Making/Performance
Exploring Music
Band/Brass/Percussion/Woodwinds

Arts and music courses offered.

Outcomes

^[6]

Graduation, test scores, and what happens after senior year.

4-year graduation rate

98%

Enrolled in college within 6 months

75%

College & career ready

61%

Where graduates enroll

4-year college 54%
2-year college 20%
Other program 2%
Not enrolled 24%

Share of graduates by destination within 6 months. “Not enrolled” covers graduates not in a tracked postsecondary program (work, military, or unreported).

College entrance exams

SAT Math439

SAT Reading & Writing443

Average score among this school’s test-takers. Few NYC schools report the ACT, so those rows appear only where published.

Regents pass rates

Algebra I91%

Algebra II98%

Chemistry90%

English97%

Geometry92%

Global History95%

Living Environment91%

Physics82%

U.S. History83%

World Languages90%

Share of students who took each Regents exam this year and scored 65 or higher. Exams with too few test-takers to report are omitted. Bars compare against NYC high schools reporting the same exam.

These figures describe recent graduating classes, not a guarantee for any student. College enrollment counts any postsecondary program within 6 months of graduation, and “college & career ready” is the DOE’s 4-year readiness measure.

Community & climate

Demographics, attendance, school survey results, and DOE quality ratings.

Quality signals

FacultyExcellentAI-estimated

Parent survey · overall positive

90%44% response rate

Student survey · overall positive

66%2% response rate

Survey topics

Safety75%city 75%

Conflicts are resolved fairly in this school.75%
I feel safe…outside around this school.67%
I feel safe…traveling between home and this school.75%
I feel safe…in the hallways, bathrooms, locker rooms, and cafeteria of this school.75%
I feel safe…in my classes at this school.88%
School Safety Agents promote a safe and respectful environment.71%
At this school students drink alcohol, use illegal drugs, or abuse prescription drugs.62%
At this school students get into physical fights.75%
At this school there is gang activity.88%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (75%) is their average, vs 75% citywide.

Bullying prevention67%city 59%

At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate other students.88%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate each other because of their race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, language/accent, or citizenship/immigration status.62%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate each other because of their gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.62%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate each other because of other differences, like different body type or disability.50%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate each other online (through mobile phones, social media, email, or other forms of electronic communication).75%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (67%) is their average, vs 59% citywide.

Emotional support65%city 61%

I know where to go at my school if I need additional support with my mental-health.86%
During this school year, most days I have felt happy when at school.75%
During this school year, most days I have felt safe when at school.75%
During this school year, most days I have felt optimistic when at school.71%
During this school year, most days I have felt bored when at school.62%
During this school year, most days I have felt stressed when at school.50%
During this school year, most days I have felt worried when at school.38%
There is time at school to talk about feelings and emotions.62%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (65%) is their average, vs 61% citywide.

Personal attention62%city 67%

In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? My teachers…ask if I have everything that I need to succeed in their class.62%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? My teachers…give me specific suggestions about how I can improve my work in class.62%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? My teachers…explain things a different way if I don't understand something in class.62%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? My teachers…support me when I am upset.62%
Adults at this school check in with me frequently about how I’m doing personally.50%
Adults at this school check in with me frequently about how I’m doing academically.75%
I feel like I belong at this school.62%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (62%) is their average, vs 67% citywide.

Academic expectations43%city 66%

The classes at this school prepare me for the next step in my education.57%
In how many of your classes …are you challenged?.25%
In how many of your classes …do your teachers have high expectations for you?.62%
In how many of your classes …are you encouraged to work in small groups?.38%
In how many of your classes …do your teachers want you to become better thinkers, not just memorize things?.50%
In how many of your classes …do you get so focused on learning during class activities that you lose track of time?.25%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (43%) is their average, vs 66% citywide.

Clear instruction72%city 73%

In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? My teachers make learning expectations clear.75%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? Class assignments are purposeful in learning the course content.62%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? The work I do in class is good preparation for class assignments, projects, and assessments.75%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? I learn a lot from feedback on my work.75%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (72%) is their average, vs 73% citywide.

College & career guidance56%city 82%

Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… meet with me to discuss what I plan to do after high school. [Grades 9-12].50%
Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… encourage me to continue my education after high school. [Grades 9-12].75%
Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… provide me with information about the college application process. [Grades 9-12].38%
Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… help me plan for how to meet my future career goals. [Grades 9-12].62%
Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… encourage students of all races, ethnicities, genders, cultures, and backgrounds to take challenging classes. [Grades 9-12].62%
Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… advise me to take advanced courses. [Grades 9-12].62%
Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… help me consider which colleges to apply to. [Grades 9-12].50%
Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… show me options for how to pay for college (scholarship, grants, loans, work study programs, etc.). [Grades 9-12].50%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (56%) is their average, vs 82% citywide.

Family outreach93%city 94%

School staff regularly communicate with me about how I can help my child learn.84%
Teachers work closely with me to meet my child's needs.90%
My child's school communicates with me in a language that I can understand.95%
I am greeted warmly when I contact or visit the school.100%
My child's school will make me aware if there are any concerns about my child’s social or emotional well-being.98%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (93%) is their average, vs 94% citywide.

Student–teacher trust77%city 82%

There is at least one adult at my school that I can confide in.75%
My teachers are open to students' ideas, suggestions, and comments.71%
My teachers always do what they say they will do.75%
My teachers treat me with respect.88%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (77%) is their average, vs 82% citywide.

Parent–teacher trust97%city 95%

I feel respected by my child's teachers.98%
Staff at this school work hard to build trusting relationships with parents/guardians like me.98%
My child's teachers treat me as a partner in educating my child.95%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (97%) is their average, vs 95% citywide.

Show all survey topics

Collaborative Teachers

Cultural Awareness and Inclusive Classroom Instruction69%city 85%

My teachers use examples of students’ different races and cultures in their lessons to make learning more meaningful for me.43%
My teachers use examples of students’ different backgrounds and families in their lessons to make learning more meaningful for me.57%
I see a variety of races, ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds positively represented in the curriculum.71%
I see a variety of genders, gender identities and expressions and sexual orientations positively represented in the curriculum.83%
At this school, we have productive conversations about race and racism where I feel my voice is heard.71%
My teachers treat students of different races, cultures, or backgrounds equally.75%
My teachers treat students of different genders, gender identities and expressions and sexual orientations equally.71%
I feel that my teachers respect my culture, background, and identity.83%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (69%) is their average, vs 85% citywide.

Supportive Environment

Conflict Resolution75%city 79%

When a conflict arises, school staff use questions to encourage reflection and resolve it.75%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (75%) is their average, vs 79% citywide.

Effective School Leadership

Inclusive Leadership91%city 93%

The principal/school leader at this school…puts decisions made with families into action.94%
The principal/school leader at this school…works to create a sense of community in the school.100%
The principal/school leader at this school…ensures families are comfortable communicating with the school.100%
I have the opportunity to work with adults at this school to make decisions in important areas that impact my life (e.g. instruction, safety, conflict resolution, etc.).71%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (91%) is their average, vs 93% citywide.

Strong Family-Community Ties

Strong Relationships100%city 90%

At this school, my child receives what they need to achieve their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goal(s). [Families of students with IEPs].100%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (100%) is their average, vs 90% citywide.

Parent Involvement in School61%city 63%

Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…communicated with your child's teachers about your child's performance?.78%
Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…seen your child’s projects, artwork, homework, tests, or quizzes?.92%
I know how to contact the Parent Coordinator at my child’s school.12%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (61%) is their average, vs 63% citywide.

Trust

Parent-Principal Trust100%city 94%

I feel respected by my child's principal/school leader.100%
I trust the principal/school leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).100%
The principal/school leader is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.100%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (100%) is their average, vs 94% citywide.

Student-Student Trust75%city 70%

Most students at this school treat each other with respect.75%
Most students treat students from different cultures or backgrounds equally.75%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (75%) is their average, vs 70% citywide.

Overall positive % is averaged across every Pos/Neg survey question per respondent group (school year 2023-2024). Survey topics are the DOE’s framework measures (each the average favorable response across its questions; expand a topic to see them and the citywide average); the dimension scores themselves are no longer in the public data file.^[3]

Operational health

Attendance

98%

Chronic absenteeism

49%

Suspension rate

Teachers^[7]

Teachers with 4+ years' experience

68%

Students per teacher

8:1

Teaching out of certification

12%

Teacher experience and certification from the NYSED School Report Card (2024–25); students per teacher = enrollment ÷ reported teachers. Fewer than 4 years counts as inexperienced.

Student body

Race / ethnicity^[4]

Asian 28%
Black 26%
Hispanic 36%
White 3%
Multiracial 1%

School-level totals; may not sum to 100% due to rounding and small subgroup suppression.

Gender^[4]

Female 46%
Male 54%

Female / male shares as published by the DOE; other gender identities aren’t reported in the source data.

Enrollment

492

Economic Need Index

74%

Free / reduced lunch

76%

English learners

16%

Students with IEPs

15%

Admissions

Seats, applicants, and admissions method from the most recent cycle. Where the school enrolls separate tracks (general ed, students with disabilities, specialized education), each track is shown on its own row, with its priority order beneath it.