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Francis Lewis High School

Grades: 9-12
Staff Pick Staff Pick for Special Ed

Our Insights

What’s Special

Wide range of courses and activities; strong supports for students with disabilities

The Downside

Overcrowding and large class sizes

Francis Lewis is one of the city’s largest high schools. It is home to the nation’s largest chapter of Junior ROTC and offers sought-after programs in law, engineering, science research and the humanities that attract students from across Queens. Local students who qualify for these programs or are zoned for the school may want to consider them before taking on a long commute to attend selective schools elsewhere in the city.

With course offerings that rival some small colleges, options abound at Francis Lewis. Students may study Chinese, French, Japanese, Latin, Korean or Spanish, and the school offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) and College Now courses.

Classes are designed to meet a range of student needs. Advanced math options include AP Calculus AB and BC as well as non-AP calculus for students not yet ready for the college-level course. Some classes, such as Algebra or Living Environment, may be taught over two years to give struggling students more time and support to learn the material.

To help make the large school feel smaller, the school is organized into themed programs known as small learning communities (SLCs). In addition to screened or selective programs that admit students from across Queens, there are SLCs in areas such as digital design, culinary arts, business (Virtual Enterprise), journalism and international studies. Each one offers a sequence of related classes and activities that build a sense of community. By the start of 10th grade, all students are enrolled in an SLC that they remain in through graduation.

Students compete in robotics, debate, mock trial, Model UN, and arts and writing contests. Science research students may work with mentors and compete in national contests such as the Regeneron Science Talent Search.

The building, originally designed for far fewer students, is crowded. Hallways can become congested during class changes, and lunch periods may serve up to 1,000 students at a time. Some students report bullying, but most say they feel safe in school. 

Most students adapt to the size of the school by finding their niche in a club, team or activity. The school offers dozens of clubs and PSAL sports teams, including Model UN, choral groups and bands, and annual theater productions.

Roughly 1,000 students participate in Junior ROTC, one of the largest programs in the country. The program emphasizes leadership, teamwork and academic support and does not require students to commit to military service. Graduates attend a wide range of colleges, including CUNY and SUNY schools as well as private universities.

SPECIAL EDUCATION: Francis Lewis serves many students with disabilities and English language learners. Supports include SETSS, ICT classes and self-contained settings in multiple subjects. Students may take general education classes in subjects where they are strong. Programs for English learners include bilingual instruction and specialized English classes. An alternative assessment program provides life-skills training and work opportunities for students with significant disabilities. (Laura Zingmond, official reports, March 2026)

 

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School Stats

Academics

School
Citywide
How many students graduate in 4 years?
 
90%
How many students with disabilities graduate in 4 years?
 
81%
How many English language learners graduate in 4 years?
 
67%
Average daily attendance
 
92%
How many students miss 18 or more days of school?
 
22%
How many parents of students with disabilities say this school offers enough activities and services for their children's needs?
 
96%
How many parents of students with disabilities say this school works to achieve the goals of their students' IEPs?
 
89%
From the 2024-25 School Quality Guide and 2024-25 NYC School Survey

Students

4577
Number of students
Citywide Average is 608

Race/Ethnicity


School
Citywide
Low-income students
 
70%
Students with disabilities
 
11%
Multilingual learners
 
17%
From the 2024-25 Demographic Snapshot

Safety & Vibe

School
Citywide
How many students say they feel safe in the hallways, bathrooms and locker rooms?
 
79%
How many students think bullying happens most or all of the time at this school?
 
48%
How many students say that some are bullied at their school because of their gender or sexual orientation?
 
37%
How many teachers say they would recommend this school to other families?
 
91%
From the 2024-25 NYC School Survey and 2023-24 NY State Report Card

Faculty & Staff

School
Citywide
How many teachers say the principal is an effective manager?
 
79%
12.0
Years of principal experience at this school
Citywide Average is 8
221
Number of students for each guidance counselor or social worker
Citywide Average is 119

Teachers’ Race/Ethnicity


How many teachers have 3 or more years of experience teaching?
 
92%
Are teachers effective?
From the 2024-25 NYC School Survey, 2024-25 School Quality Guide, 2022-23 Report on School-Based Staff Demographics, 2025 Guidance Counselor Report, and this school's most recent Quality Review Report

College and Career Readiness

School
Citywide
How well are students prepared for college and careers after four years at this school? What is a College and Career Readiness (CCR) Score?
 
72
How many students take a college-level course or earn a professional certificate?
 
78%
How many students who have graduated from this high school stay in college for at least 3 semesters?
 
84%
From the 2024-25 School Quality Guide
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

Jacob K. Javits Law Institute (Q20A)

Admissions Method: Ed. Opt.

Program Description:

This program distinguishes itself with recognition in Mock Trial and Moot Court competitions. A small learning community which offers law-related courses including: You and The Law, Constitutional & Business Law, Mock Trial, Debate Team, and Bioethics. This program gives a priority to students who live in the zoned area for up to 50% of the seats.

Engineering and Robotics (Q20H)

Admissions Method: Screened

Program Description:

Students are programmed for honors level courses in Computer Science, Engineering, and Robotics. Students will prepare for a variety of high level regional and national competitions. This program gives a priority to students who live in the zoned area for up to 50% of the seats.

University Scholars (Q20J)

Admissions Method: Screened

Program Description:

This program provides an honors-level sequence of courses which engages students in a rigorous scholastic experience in the Liberal Arts & Humanities. Each term students are programmed for a second language or an additional English/Humanities course. This program gives a priority to students who live in the zoned area for up to 50% of the seats.

Science Research Institute (Q20K)

Admissions Method: Screened

Program Description:

Our award-winning institute has received high Honors in the National Siemens Competition, Intel, and NYSCEF. Students are programmed for advanced honors courses preparing for the SAT2 subject exams and courses in authentic science research. This program gives a priority to students who live in the zoned area for up to 50% of the seats.

75Q811 D75 Inclusion Program at Francis Lewis High School (Q20U)

Admissions Method: D75 Special Education Inclusive Services

Francis Lewis High School ACES 15:1 Program (Q20Y)

Admissions Method: ASD/ACES Program

Zoned (Q20Z)

Admissions Method: Zoned Guarantee

Offerings

From the 2024 High School Directory

Advanced Courses

Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Chinese Language and Culture, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP Japanese Language and Culture, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C: Mechanics, 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), Chemistry (College Course [Credited]), ELA (College Course [Credited]), Math (College Course [Credited]), Physics (Advanced Placement), Physics (Advanced Science), Social Studies (College Course [Credited]), World Languages (Advanced World Languages)

Boys PSAL teams

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

Girls PSAL teams

Badminton, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Fencing, Flag Football, Golf, Handball, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball, Wrestling

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

58-20 Utopia Parkway
Queens NY 11365

Buses: Q17, Q30, Q31, Q65, Q88, QM1, QM31, QM35, QM5, QM7, QM8


Contact

Principal: Nidhi Babbar I.A.

Parent Coordinator: Larissa Lee

Phone: 718-281-8200

Website

Other Details

Shared campus? No

This school is in its own building.

Uniforms required? No
Metal detectors? No

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