Townsend Harris High School

For those of complaining about gym, I honestly have to say that while it might seem ridiculous or pointless, in the long run, the benefits outweigh the cons. Honestly, all health and gym classes are taught by excellent teachers. You literally get all tools necessary for living healthy and you can carry this on to college. As a freshmen I had trouble running a mere mile, a testimony to my inactivity. As a senior, I took a body sculpting class where I learned how to use weights and as a result I became fit. Even now running a mile is an easy feat, showing my cardiovascular fitness. Its good to know that the school will take care of your mind and body. What many adults pay for personal fitness trainers, we get the knowledge for free. As for the running outside in the cold, honestly, it isn't that bad and in retrospect, it probably helped strengthen me too.
--Submitted by a student

Mixed feelings about this school. No doubt it is one of the best high schools in NYC. As a parent of a graduated students, I noticed that there are a lot of rooms for improvement. The main job that they need to do is to find out why a national ranked 33rd high school have such low percentage of students accepted by ivy caliber schools. For the past few years, the number of students accepted by ivy calibers were under 10%. Whereas in Stuy, it was about 25%. For a class of about 270 kids, only 4 got accepted to Cornell on an average. Jericho High School in Long Island, which has similar class size, have 20+ kids got into Cornell. Why? That's a big question that Townsend needs to find out! Below are pros and cons: Pros: 1. Push the kids to their limit leads to better prepared for college. 2. Great friendly atmosphere for learning and making good life time friends. Cons: 1. Too much running for gym. 2. College counselors were inexperience that leads to large amount of smart kids NOT getting into Ivy League colleges. 3. Teachers gave out lousy grades. All classes are honors but they don't weight the grades. This also leads to students denied by large amount of top selective colleges.
--Submitted by a parent

I don't have much complaints about the school except the heavy amount of homework. I really hate the gym teacher that my child has and their requirement. They made the kids run 2 miles within 2 weeks and in a certain amount of time. What were they thinking of? Are they training the kids to run in a marathon??? They would even take the kids out in the cold while the gym teachers stood there, dressing all nice and warm in their winter jacket and mocking the kids. They wouldn't even care if your child is sick. They would give you BS that it's good for the kids. Well let me tell you this, it wouldn't be good for the kids if they don't properly train them and threaten to fail them if they don't run. What's worse, that they would have a kid that has a heart failure and they will be getting law suits in no time. They should train them gradually and build up their strength. This is my point of view as a martial arts instructor.
--Submitted by a parent

Its a pretty awesome school. At first, I thought I hated it because I was scared that I wouldn't be able to keep up with the work, and well...I'm still doing bad but that's just cause I procrastinate x( Aside from academics, I met some incredible friends here. Just remember to be out there and not hide yourself ;) There's huge amounts of school spirit and everyone here is just so nice and smart. Almost all of the teachers here are amazing. And sure gym is harsh, but it starts to get really fun. (at least for me) Besides, you'll be looking so buff when you graduate ;D Townsend was not at all what I expected it to be. It was so much better.
--Submitted by a student

It's a wonderful school. My best friend goes there and she loves the workload, the interior of the building, the people, and concerts! She dislikes the gym however, saying that it is very tedious. I am very shocked to know that people would want to transfer out of such a lovely institution. She said that some teachers are boring, but most are enthusiastic. It is impossible to find a high school where there isn't one bad teacher. I'd like to know that if you want to get accepted, do you have to list it first?

Townsend Harris H.S. offers great opportunity along with excellent social and intellectual growth. With an enthusiastic administrative staff and superb teachers, Townsend Harris is an ideal choice for any student wishing to excell in life.

While the school environment is beyond welcoming, this school is more of a boot camp than a school. I've gotten a permanent knee injury as well as a sprained ankle and have been forced to walk up 12 flights of stairs more than once every day. Besides that, there are very few teachers who actually care. Most decide to ignore students who are not doing well, and only focus on the accomplished students. Guidance is a nightmare! Not only was my guidance counselor rude to me on many occasions, but it is very rare that anyone will actually find guidance counselors in the office. I have also found certain staff talking on the phone to their family members when they were needed for an emergency. While there are some enjoyable moments at Townsend Harris, it is definitely NOT a school that creates well rounded students. It has not only affected my physical health, but has made me a much quieter and shy person. I hate that; I'm transferring out of this terrible school.
--Submitted by a student

Best high school in New York City bar none. The expectations are high and and the workload is rigorous, but the return is great. If you go to Townsend Harris High School you will not only be prepared to attend any university in the county, but you will prosper once you get there. The education received, both academic and social, rivals and often surpasses that of the best independent schools in the city. It is a treasure and it is consistently rated the best pubic high school in New York City. Townsend Harris High school is a gem, producing the most academically prepared and socially conscious young adults. They truly are the future leaders! Administration and staff are top-notch and create a challenging and nurturing environment for both students and families. I could not recommend it more highly.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a horrible place. There is an extreme amount of work and pressure. This institution is more like a graduate school.
--Submitted by a parent

Unfair environment, even if you are a good student. Do not send your children to this school, all of the rumors are true.
--Submitted by a parent