Average
#3587 of 4,739 schools in NY
Hillcrest High School
High School · NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #28
160-05 HIGHLAND AVE, Jamaica, NY 11432
Enrollment
2,333
Student-Teacher
15.1:1
Score
5.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,333
Student-Teacher
15.1:1
Score
5.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Jamaica
#37 of 48
public schools
New York high schools
#958 of 1,160
In district
#44 of 50
NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #28
Equity
7.3 / 10
Strong
About Hillcrest High School
Hillcrest High School serves 2,333 students in grades 9-12 in the Jamaica section of Queens, with a student-teacher ratio of 15.1:1 across its 154 full-time equivalent teaching staff. This large public high school operates within New York's expansive educational system, currently ranking in the 22nd percentile statewide with a MySchoolScout rating of 3.7 out of 10, indicating significant room for academic growth and development. The school's substantial enrollment creates a diverse learning environment where students from various backgrounds come together.
With its considerable size, Hillcrest High School offers the potential for varied programming and activities that can benefit from economies of scale, though academic outcomes suggest opportunities for improvement in student achievement and educational delivery. Located on Highland Avenue, the school sits within ZIP code 11432, a community characterized by a median household income of $72,001 and median home values around $781,100. The neighborhood demonstrates educational aspirations, with 37% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, while maintaining a relatively low poverty rate of 13.7%.
This economically stable community of over 64,000 residents provides a supportive backdrop for students pursuing their high school education in one of New York City's most populous boroughs.
What's said publicly about Hillcrest High School
Synthesized from public, attributable sources. Updated April 2026. Reviewed for accuracy.
Sources (1)
What Parents Should Know
Hillcrest High School is a large school with 2,333 students enrolled. Larger schools typically offer a wider range of academic programs, electives, and extracurricular activities. Parents may want to ask about how the school maintains a sense of community and ensures students don't get lost in the crowd.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Hillcrest High School — Students at Hillcrest High School score 54% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
82.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NY EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 4 test records from NY state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 1.4/10.
How Hillcrest High School Compares
See how Hillcrest High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 90% (2019) to 80% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 93% (2019) to 27% (2021).
Location
160-05 HIGHLAND AVE, Jamaica, NY 11432
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Hillcrest High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. YOUNG WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP SCHOOL-QUEENS (rated 7.7/10, 0.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is QUEENS HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE SCIENCES AT YORK COLLEGE (rated 7.6/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, QUEENS GATEWAY TO HEALTH SCIENCES SECONDARY SCHOOL (rated 7.5/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Jamaica, see our Jamaica schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 0.7 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 11432 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$75,395
Median Home Value
$826,100
Median Rent
$1,841/mo
Population
63,730
College Educated
35.7%
Homeownership
37%
Avg Commute
43.5 min
Poverty Rate
15.2%
Median Age
39.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding Hillcrest High School has a median household income of $75,395. It is an area where 36% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $826,100, with a median rent of $1,841/month. The area has a poverty rate of 15.2%. The average commute in the area is 44 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| WESTBURY HIGH SCHOOL Old Westbury, NY | 5.2 |
| COLONIE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Albany, NY | 5.3 |
| NEWTOWN HIGH SCHOOL Elmhurst, NY | 5.3 |
| SPRING VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Spring Valley, NY | 5.3 |
| RAMAPO HIGH SCHOOL Spring Valley, NY | 5.1 |
| CENTRAL ISLIP SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Central Islip, NY | 5.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Hillcrest High School
What grades does Hillcrest High School serve?
Hillcrest High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Hillcrest High School?
Hillcrest High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,333 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Hillcrest High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Hillcrest High School is 15.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Hillcrest High School rank in NY?
Hillcrest High School is ranked #3587 out of 4,739 schools in NY.
What is Hillcrest High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Hillcrest High School has a composite rating of 5.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Hillcrest High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Hillcrest High School has 85.0% math proficiency and 60.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Hillcrest High School a charter school?
No, Hillcrest High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Hillcrest High School a Title I school?
No, Hillcrest High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Hillcrest High School?
82.7% of students at Hillcrest High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 2,333
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 154
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 82.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Queens County
- Phone
- (718) 658-5407
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #28- District Enrollment
- 38,052
- Schools in District
- 50
- District Rank
- #44 of 50
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
- Best Public Schools in New York 2026: Top Districts from NYC to the Suburbsbest schools
- Best Schools in New York, NY — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best States for Public Schools in 2026: A Complete Rankingdata insights
- Charter Schools vs Public Schools: What the Data Actually Shows (2026)school choice
- Student-Teacher Ratio by State: Complete 2026 Rankingsdata insights
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