Hillcrest High School (28Q505)

160-05 Highland Avenue, Queens, NY 11432, Queens
Phone: 718-658-5407
Hours: 8:00am - 3:50pm
School Website: https://www.hillcrestweb.com
NYCDOE Website: https://www.myschools.nyc/en/schools/high-school/28Q505/
Quality Snapshot: View snapshot
Building Access Profile: View profile
School Leader: Varun Rule-Pandey (vrulepandey@schools.nyc.gov)
Parent Coordinator: Esthefany Lopez (elopez89@schools.nyc.gov)
Respect for All Liaison: Catherine Jordan (cjordan3@schools.nyc.gov)
Sexual Harassment Prevention Liaison: Aneil Chattoo (achatto@schools.nyc.gov)
504 Coordinator: Janet Jackson (jjackso14@schools.nyc.gov)
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About
Hillcrest High School envisions an inclusive and vibrant learning environment that honors student diversity and fosters compassion, resilience, and community connection. Through student-centered learning, real-world experiences, and culturally responsive teaching, we empower all students to excel in college, 21st-century careers, and civic lifesupported by strong community ties and an enduring alumni network. At Hillcrest High School, our mission is to empower a diverse community of learners through personalized Small Learning Communities (SLCs), supported by dedicated counselors and advisors. We promote academic excellence, civic responsibility, and personal growth through comprehensive programs that include social-emotional learning, peer mentoring, and leadership development. Through rigorous and inclusive college and career pathways--including Career and Technical Education (CTE), Advanced Placement, dual credit college courses, paid internships, and industry-recognized certifications such as EMT and CNAwe prepare students to succeed in a rapidly evolving world. Our commitment to bilingual education, cultural celebrations, and authentic community engagement reflects our belief that every student deserves to be seen, supported, and challenged. Through our seven Small Learning Communities, Hillcrest High School prepares students to thrive beyond graduation--equipped with real-world skills, a strong sense of identity, and the confidence to lead in college, careers, and their communities.
Reports: School Budget | PTA Financials | Room Utilization
Teachers with more than 3 years of experience: 92%
Academic Highlights: Personalized Learning in Small Communities: At Hillcrest, every student belongs to one of seven Small Learning Communities (SLCs), each led by a dedicated Director and Counselor. This structure ensures a tight-knit, personalized educational experience within a large and vibrant high school., Rich Extracurricular Life: With over 20 clubs including Robotics, LGBTQIA+, K-Pop, Mock Trial, and the Muslim Student Associationand 25+ varsity and JV sports teams, Hillcrest offers opportunities for every student to shine outside the classroom., College and Career Ready Pathways: Students can graduate with up to 24+ college credits through our Advanced Placement and College Now programs, and earn industry-recognized certifications in high-demand fields like EMT, CNA, Software Engineering, Medical Lab Technology, and Teaching., Diverse, Inclusive, and Supportive Community: Hillcrest celebrates its cultural richness through bilingual programs, affinity groups, and heritage events all while fostering academic excellence, resilience, and real-world readiness in a safe and welcoming environment., Rigorous and Inclusive Academics: Our AP offerings include AP African American Studies, AP Computer Science A & Principles, AP Psychology, and AP Research/Capstone, empowering students to explore interests deeply while building college-level skills.
Other Features: 10th Grade Seats Available, Career and Technical Education (CTE), College Courses Offered, College Courses onsite, College Trips, Community Service Expected, Computer Science Coursework, Expert College and Career Advisor On Staff, Financial Literacy Coursework, FutureReadyNYC School, Internships, LYFE (Living For The Young Family Through Education), Paid Apprenticeships, Paid Internships, Program(s) with 1 GE Applicant Per Seat, Program(s) with 1 SWD Applicant Per Seat, Summer Bridge
English Language Learner Programs: Transitional Bilingual Education: Bengali, Spanish
School Features:
CTE Endorsement
Audition Offered
Offers 10th Grade Seats
Guidance Counselors, Social Workers, Bilingual Guidance Counselors
Upcoming Events
October 29, 2025 @ 5:00 pm Freshmen Open House
November 8, 2025 @ 10:00 am Freshmen Open House
AP Courses, Languages, Sports, Art
Program Details
Visual Art & Design, Performing Arts/Visual Art & Design
The Hillcrest Academy of Performing and Visual Arts offers a rigorous four-year program comprising three distinct tracks: theater, music, and visual arts. Each track features a diverse range of courses, including acting, technical theater, AP 2-D Art, graphic design, orchestra, and marching band, among others, fostering proficiency in various art forms. Throughout the year, students have numerous opportunities to showcase their talents in various settings. Additionally, Hillcrest facilitates partnerships with arts organizations, encouraging students to participate in internships and summer programs. Theater students, in particular, work alongside these partners to enhance their understanding of all aspects of production. Upon fulfilling the requirements of the theater and visual arts tracks, students graduate with a Chancellor's Endorsed Arts Diploma.
10th Grade seats available
- (Group 1) New York City residents
School Student & Admissions Statistics


Total Offers
This data was gathered from various NYC DOE reports: https://infohub.nyced.org/reports/students-and-schools/school-quality/information-and-data-overview
Survey Summary & Data (2024-25)























Note: Yellow bars indicate city-wide averages for the associated category
Academic Summary & Data (2023-24)





4-Year College 37.10%
Other Postsecondary 0.30%
Unknown 37.50%
School Demographics (2024-25)
Female 51.00%
Other 0.10%

Black 24.10%
Hispanic 39.20%
White 3.00%
Other 6.30%
Black 15.20%
Hispanic 12.60%
White 47.70%
Other 2.00%
This data was gathered from the NYC DOE's demographic snapshots: https://infohub.nyced.org/reports/students-and-schools/school-quality/information-and-data-overview
IEP Statistics (2023-24)


This data was gathered from the NYC DOE's yearly quality reports: https://infohub.nyced.org/reports/students-and-schools/school-quality/school-quality-reports-and-resources
Special Education Programs & Services (2024-25)
Program | Fully Receiving | Partially Receiving | Not Receiving |
Integrated Co-Teaching Services | 133 (94%) | >5 (?) | <=5 (?) |
SETSS | 11 (100%) | 0 (0%) | 0 (0%) |
Special Class | 100 (89%) | >5 (?) | <=5 (?) |
Service | Fully Receiving | Partially Receiving | Not Receiving |
Counseling Services | 112 (95%) | N/A (N/A) | 6 (5%) |
Counseling Services Bilingual | <=5 (100%) | 0 (0%) | 0 (0%) |
Occupational Therapy | >5 (92%) | N/A (N/A) | <=5 (8%) |
Speech-Language Therapy | >5 (96%) | N/A (N/A) | <=5 (4%) |
Speech-Language Therapy Bilingual | <=5 (40%) | <=5 (20%) | <=5 (40%) |
Transportation | Number Receiving |
Curb to School | 18 (78%) |
Stop to School | <=5 (?) |
Unassigned | <=5 (?) |
This data was gathered from the NYC DOE's Special Education Reports: https://infohub.nyced.org/reports/government-reports/special-education-reports
ELL Performance (2023-24)
This data was gathered from the NYC DOE's yearly quality reports: https://infohub.nyced.org/reports/students-and-schools/school-quality/school-quality-reports-and-resources