High School for Community Leadership

Opened in 2010, the High School for Community Leadership in Jamaica High School is a hidden gem for students looking for imaginative coursework and a challenging curriculum. Students may study the history of Rock and Roll, manufacture scissors with 3-D printers or create their own cosmetics in chemistry class. A new cooking class is taught by a graduate of the Institute for Culinary Education.

Parsons School of Design supplies the equipment for a design class, St. John’s University offers a college-level writing and the Abrons Art Center at the Henry Street Settlement offers students training in the arts. Students may have internships with the Queens Library and other community-based organizations.

The school’s graduation rates are well above the citywide average for all students, including English Language Learners and students with disabilities. The school has consistently improved its college readiness and attendance in recent years. The school does an unusually good job with students who arrive with weak academic skills. It is racially diverse, serving a mix of Asian, African American and Hispanic students.  

Community Leadership, housed in the Jamaica Educational Campus, shares the swimming pool, football field and other facilities with other small schools in the building.  Students and teachers report a safe and orderly environment. Unfortunately, the school does have metal detectors.

Admissions: Educational option. The school seeks a range of low-, middle- and high-performing students. Priority to Queens students. Students are interviewed and submit a writing sample. (Melanie Quiroz, web reports and DOE data, October 2018)