THHS implements a program which emphasizes mastery in the humanities, math and science, with an emphasis on the classics, and requires its students to display the leadership skills, discipline and work ethic expected by the most demanding colleges and careers. All classes are honors, Advanced Placement or college-level, and advanced elective courses are available in all subjects. The school strives to implement their humanities-based approach to excellence through extensive literature and writing courses, advanced courses and electives in English, social studies, modern and classical languages, math, science, social science and science research, as well as a required Queens College humanities seminar. All students are required to study two years of classical Greek or Latin. Students take eight academic subjects each semester, one more than the usual high school program. …show more content…
By placing heavy weight instead on middle school grades, state assessment results, and attendance, Townsend Harris feels it ends up with students who have demonstrated the capacity to be serious and successful, not just good test takers. All students are required to be in the 90th percentile or above on math and reading standardized tests as well as have a minimum grade point average of 90 in June of 7th grade when being considered for a 9th grade seat. There is no entrance exam, written assessment or formal interview, and while nearly 5000 students apply to THHS each year, 250 seats are available. Students must place THHS as their first choice of high schools, showing ambition and dedication to becoming an “aggressive”