A Message from InsideSchools: The data below is the most up-to-date data available from City and State systems. We are working hard to update the narratives for all schools. We welcome your insights in the Comments section. Questions? Ask us!

Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School

Grades: 9-12
Staff Pick

Our Insights

What’s Special

Students learn a trade while enjoying solid academics and a well-rounded high school experience

The Downside

Limited elective classes, though there are clubs, sports and activities after school

Thomas A. Edison High School sets the gold standard for Career and Technical Education (CTE). Unlike the newer crop of small CTE schools that focus on a particular theme, Thomas Edison offers 11 CTE tracks spread across several themed programs: visual art and design, information technologies, computer aided design (CAD), electrical installation, automotive, robotics/STEM and medical careers. All students major in a trade but also enjoy a well-rounded high school experience that includes solid academics and lots of activities and sports teams.

There is a pleasant and old-fashioned quality to this school. Safety officers greet visitors with a cheery smile; there’s a student-run club dedicated to promoting acts of kindness. Many teachers, especially in CTE classes, have worked in the school for years. Principal Moses Ojeda, a graduate of the school, is also a longtime staff member, having worked as a teacher and then assistant principal before taking the helm in August 2012.

In shop classes and labs, students enjoy serious hands-on learning where they can be found working under the hood of a car, designing a newsletter, testing new commands for a robot or extracting DNA from a banana. The daily CTE classes run 90 minutes, and most take place in spacious rooms with desks on one end and lab tables, computers or heavy-duty equipment on the other. There's a biotechnology lab for students studying pharmaceuticals, an electrical wiring shop, robotics labs and multiple rooms filled with computers to accommodate the many technology-based CTE classes.

Students can earn industry certifications such as Adobe software (web design and graphic communications), CISCO networking, A+ computer maintenance (information technologies) and AutoCAD. They hone their mechanic skills in the school's fully functioning, state-licensed garage where they service well over 100 cars per year and can earn multiple certifications in automotive maintenance and repair.

Seniors in graphic arts produce all the school's printing needs with the aid of a commercial-grade digital printer. They produce materials for outside organizations and area schools; some students get internships with the Center for Arts Education.  

Keeping up with the evolving job market, the school replaced its commercial arts program with a digital media concentration that focuses on the creation, editing and embedding of media such as photos and film into commercial websites. It’s also creating an “innovation lab” filled with high-tech equipment that teachers will use to design and model new lessons and that students taking a new entrepreneurship class will use to brainstorm, design and create new products.

In academic classes, there’s a mix of teaching styles. Some classes are more traditional, with desks in rows and teachers up front, while in others, group work is more the norm. Regardless of the subject, students are expected to write a lot. For instance, in algebra, students may write about careers in mathematics and the kinds of courses one needs to succeed, such as trigonometry for electricians, and advanced topics including calculus and finite math for architects. In an automotive class, students research and write lengthy essays on topics such as the difference between rack and pinion versus parallelogram steering systems. Teachers often ask students to present their work to the class.

Model UN is a popular activity that draws students from all programs. Ojeda says the program, which seniors take as a class for credit, exposes students to experiences they otherwise would not try, including traveling to tournaments and showcase events.

Honors and Advanced Placement classes are offered in some subjects. Spanish is the only foreign language taught. A full-time work-based learning coordinator arranges school-year and summer internships for students.

There are few elective classes, mainly because students’ schedules are packed with academic and double-period shop classes. However, there’s a lot to do after school and during free periods. Students may participate in PSAL sports as well a nice range of clubs and student organizations.  

The school’s graduation, college-attendance and college-readiness rates are well above the citywide average. Many students attend two- and four-year CUNY colleges, and some attend SUNY and private schools. A full-time college counselor, along with guidance counselors and several teachers, guide students through the college admissions process.

SPECIAL EDUCATION: Special education students may apply to any program. There are a range of services and supports, including self-contained and ICT (integrated co-teaching) classes. An alternative assessment program teaches life skills and academic subjects to special needs students who are unable to take a traditional academic load because of severe disabilities. They learn basic skills for independent living in the school's model apartment, a room equipped with a full kitchen, washer and dryer and a bathroom with a shower. They also manage a hydroponic garden, where they grow food that they use to cook meals for themselves as well as to prepare dishes to serve in the staff café.

(Laura Zingmond, November, 2014; updated via interview, May 2018).

 

Get more from InsideSchools

School Stats

Citywide Average Key
This school is Better Near Worse than the citywide average

Academics

School
Citywide
How many students graduate in 4 years?
 
93%
How many students with disabilities graduate in 4 years?
 
80%
How many English language learners graduate in 4 years?
 
80%
Average daily attendance
 
91%
How many students miss 18 or more days of school?
 
30%
How many parents of students with disabilities say this school offers enough activities and services for their children's needs?
 
88%
How many parents of students with disabilities say this school works to achieve the goals of their students' IEPs?
 
94%
From the 2021-22 School Quality Guide and 2020-21 NYC School Survey

Students

2200
Number of students
Citywide Average is 599

Race/Ethnicity


School
Citywide
Low-income students
 
73%
Students with disabilities
 
14%
Multilingual learners
 
3%
From the 2022-23 Demographic Snapshot

Safety & Vibe

School
Citywide
How many students were suspended?
 
0%
How many students say they feel safe in the hallways, bathrooms and locker rooms?
 
91%
How many students think bullying happens most or all of the time at this school?
 
33%
How many students say that some are bullied at their school because of their gender or sexual orientation?
 
27%
From the 2020-21 NYC School Survey and 2019-20 NY State Report Card

Faculty & Staff

School
Citywide
How many teachers say the principal is an effective manager?
 
77%
10.1
Years of principal experience at this school
Citywide Average is 7
218
Number of students for each guidance counselor or social worker
Citywide Average is 157

Teachers’ Race/Ethnicity


How many teachers have 3 or more years of experience teaching?
 
89%
Are teachers effective?
From the 2020-21 NYC School Survey, 2021-22 School Quality Guide, 2019-20 Report on School-Based Staff Demographics, 2021 Guidance Counselor Report, and this school's most recent Quality Review Report

Advanced Courses

Which students have access to advanced courses at this school? Learn more

Calculus

 
12%

Computer Science

 
27%

Physics

 
18%

Advanced Foreign Language

 
3%

AP/IB Arts, English, History or Social Science

 
12%

AP/IB Math or Science

 
15%

Music

 
27%
From unpublished, anonymized data from the 2021-22 school year provided by the New York State Education Department, brought to you by

College Readiness

School
Citywide
How many students graduate with test scores high enough to enroll at CUNY without remedial help?
 
88%
How many students take a college-level course or earn a professional certificate?
 
84%
How many students who have graduated from this high school stay in college for at least 3 semesters?
 
91%
From the 2020-21 and 2021-22 School Quality Guide
How many students filled out a FAFSA form by the end of their senior year?
 
80%
From the 2022-23 FAFSA data released by Federal Student Aid, brought you by
For more information about our data sources, see About Our Data · More DOE statistics for this school

Programs & Admissions

From the 2024 High School Directory

Visual Arts (Q67I)

Admissions Method: Screened

Program Description:

Preparation for careers in one of the following visual arts areas: Graphic Arts, Digital Media, or Mobile Apps & Web Design/Developer. With a major focus on hands on instruction, these programs prepare students for relevant college majors with exposure to careers in all areas of visual arts. Industry certification (Adobe Certified Associate), dual enrollment, and articulated college credit courses included. Visit www.EdisonCTE.org for more information about our Visual Arts programs.

Information Technologies (Q67K)

Admissions Method: Screened

Program Description:

Preparation for careers in one of these information technology areas: Apple Service Technician, Internetworking, IT Specialist, and Cyber Security. With a major focus on hands on instruction, these programs prepare students for relevant college majors with exposure to careers in all areas of IT, industry certification (A+, Apple Certified Technician, Network+, Security+), dual enrollment, and articulated college courses. Visit www.EdisonCTE.org for more information about our IT programs.

Computer Aided Design (CAD) (Q67M)

Admissions Method: Screened

Program Description:

Preparation for careers in the creative world of Architecture and Design. With a major focus on hands on instruction, this program prepares students to enter the field of architecture, construction, and engineering. Industry certification (AutoCAD & Autodesk Revit), dual enrollment, and articulated college credit courses included. Visit www.EdisonCTE.org for more information about our Architecture & Engineering program.

Electrical Installation Technologies (Q67N)

Admissions Method: Ed. Opt.

Program Description:

Preparation for careers in electrical & solar technology. With a major focus on hands on instruction, this program prepares students with a focus on low voltage systems, residential wiring, motors/motor controls, and solar technology. Exposure to careers in all areas of electrical & solar technology. Industry certification (OSHA, NCCER, and Energy Management). Visit www.EdisonCTE.org for more information about our Electrical & Solar Technology program.

Automotive Technologies (Q67P)

Admissions Method: Screened

Program Description:

Preparation for careers in one of the following automotive areas: Automotive Technology and Collision & Refinishing. With a major focus on hands on instruction, these programs prepare students for relevant college majors with exposure to careers in all areas of the automotive industry. Industry certification (ASE and i-Car), dual enrollment, and articulated college credit courses included. Visit www.EdisonCTE.org for more information about our Automotive and Collision & Refinishing programs.

Robotics/STEM (Q67S)

Admissions Method: Screened

Program Description:

Preparation for careers in computer science and engineering. With a major focus on hands on instruction and computer coding (Python, Java, and C++), this program prepares students with a focus on learning basic robot and drone building instructions, programming, movement, and working with sensors. Projects incorporate STEM concepts. Industry certification (OSHA and MTA: Intro to Python) Visit www.EdisonCTE.org for more information about our Robotics/STEM & Drone program.

Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High D75 Inclusion Program (Q67U)

Admissions Method: D75 Special Education Inclusive Services

Medical Careers (Q67V)

Admissions Method: Screened

Program Description:

Preparation for careers in the exciting world of Medicine. With a major focus on hands on instruction, this program focuses on the medical profession and prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies for success in college pre-med programs. Industry certification (AMCA and NOCTI: Medical Assisting), dual enrollment, and articulated college credit courses included. Visit www.EdisonCTE.org for more information about our Medical Assisting program.

Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School ACES 15:1 Program (Q67Y)

Admissions Method: ASD/ACES Program

Offerings

From the 2024 High School Directory

Language Courses

Spanish

Advanced Courses

Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP Human Geography, AP Physics 1, AP Psychology, AP Research, AP Seminar, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Statistics, AP United States Government and Politics, AP United States History, AP World History: Modern, Calculus (Advanced Math), Chemistry (Advanced Science), Comp Sci/Math Tech (College Course [Credited]), ELA (College Course [Credited]), Math (College Course [Credited]), Other (College Course [Credited]), Physics (Advanced Science), Science (Advanced Placement), World Languages (Advanced World Languages)

Boys PSAL teams

Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Handball, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball, Wrestling

Girls PSAL teams

Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball

Coed PSAL teams

Cricket

Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools

NYC Department of Education: MySchools

Contact & Location

Location

165-65 84 Avenue
Queens NY 11432

Buses: Q1, Q2, Q25, Q3, Q30, Q31, Q34, Q36, Q43, Q46, Q65, Q76, Q77, QM1, QM31, QM35, QM36, QM5, QM6, QM7, QM8, X68


Contact

Principal: Moses Ojeda

Website

Other Details

Shared campus? No

This school is in its own building.

Uniforms required? No
Metal detectors? No

Was this information helpful?

Get more from InsideSchools

You may also like …

Hillcrest High School

160-05 Highland Avenue
Queens, NY 11432

Hillside Arts & Letters Academy

167-01 Gothic Drive
Queens, NY 11432

Comments

  • Is this your school? Please post any news, updates, events, changes, or other information!
  • We welcome questions, open discussions, and disagreements but comments with personal attacks, rude language, or those with seemingly malicious intent will be deleted.
  • Very long comments, those that contain links, or repeat comments may be blocked by our spam filter.
  • Problems? email us at contact@insideschools.org.
  • Users must comply with our Terms of Use.

×