Francis Lewis High School
Grades: 9-12Our 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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Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryJacob K. Javits Law Institute (Q20A)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Francis Lewis High School ACES 15:1 Program (Q20Y)
Zoned (Q20Z)
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryAdvanced 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
Contact & Location
Location
58-20 Utopia Parkway
Queens
NY
11365
Buses: Q17, Q30, Q31, Q65, Q88, QM1, QM31, QM35, QM5, QM7, QM8
Contact
Other Details
This school is in its own building.
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