Kew-Forest School

Kew-Forest School. Founded in 1918, it is one of the oldest independent day schools in Queens, New York City. The school provides a comprehensive, coeducational program from Pre-K through twelfth grade, emphasizing a rigorous college preparatory curriculum within a supportive community. Its historic campus is situated in the Forest Hills neighborhood, an area known for its architectural significance and cultural diversity.

History

The institution was established in 1918 by Mira Hofstra, a pioneering educator who also founded the institution that would become Hofstra University. Initially opening in Jamaica, Queens, it relocated to its permanent home in Forest Hills, Queens in 1920, occupying a distinctive Tudor Revival building. Throughout the 20th century, the school expanded its academic offerings and physical plant, navigating the broader educational shifts in New York City and the United States. Key milestones included the later addition of a dedicated Upper school division and the steady growth of its student body, solidifying its reputation within the landscape of New York independent schools.

Academics

The academic program is structured around a traditional, rigorous liberal arts curriculum designed to prepare students for competitive colleges and universities. The Lower school focuses on foundational skills in literacy, mathematics, and scientific inquiry, while the Middle school and Upper school divisions offer a wide array of honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Signature programs often include robust offerings in STEM, the visual arts, and performing arts, complemented by a commitment to writing across the curriculum. The school maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio, fostering close mentorship and a personalized academic experience.

Campus

The school's urban campus is centered on a historic, Gothic-style main building constructed in the early 20th century, featuring classic architectural details like leaded glass windows and oak paneling. This core structure houses administrative offices, classrooms, and specialized spaces such as laboratories and a library. Subsequent additions have included modern facilities for athletics, theater, and art studios. The campus is integrated into the residential fabric of Forest Hills, Queens, near notable landmarks like Forest Hills Stadium and the West Side Tennis Club.

Notable alumni

Alumni of the school have achieved prominence in diverse fields including law, the arts, business, and public service. Among them are John McEnroe, the legendary tennis champion known for his rivalries at Wimbledon and the US Open; his brother, Patrick McEnroe, also a professional tennis player and commentator. Other distinguished graduates include Robert Caro, the Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer of Robert Moses and Lyndon B. Johnson; and Joshua Lederberg, a Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine for his work in genetic recombination.

Governance and organization

The school operates as a nonprofit, independent institution governed by a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees. This board is responsible for fiduciary oversight, long-term strategic planning, and hiring the Head of School, who manages daily operations and academic leadership. The school is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools and holds membership in the National Association of Independent Schools. It is funded primarily through tuition, along with support from its annual fund and endowment.