NYC Opens Nation’s First HBCU Prep High School in Queens

New York City just made history, and it’s a win for the culture. This fall, Queens officially became home to the nation’s very first HBCU Preparatory High School — a school designed from the ground up to create a direct pipeline between Black high school students and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The launch is in partnership with Delaware State University (DSU), a powerhouse HBCU with deep roots and a proud legacy of producing leaders in education, politics, science, business, and the arts. At the head of this groundbreaking school is Principal Dr. Asya Johnson, herself a proud DSU alumna, who knows firsthand the life-changing power of an HBCU education.

Why This School Matters

For generations, HBCUs have been the heart of Black excellence. They’ve nurtured leaders like Oprah Winfrey (Tennessee State University), Thurgood Marshall (Lincoln University), Kamala Harris (Howard University), Spike Lee (Morehouse College), and countless others who have reshaped culture, politics, and history.

But here’s the problem: many students, especially in large urban districts like NYC, don’t always see a clear path to these schools. College prep programs often push Ivy Leagues or state schools, while the rich legacy of HBCUs sometimes gets overlooked.

This new high school flips the script. Its entire mission is to prepare students academically, culturally, and socially to not only get into HBCUs but thrive once they’re there.

What Students Can Expect

This isn’t your typical high school. The HBCU Prep High School in Queens is offering:

College-Level Curriculum – Students will take rigorous courses aligned with HBCU admissions requirements, giving them an edge when it comes time to apply.

Mentorship from HBCU Grads – Imagine being guided by people who’ve been exactly where you want to go. Alumni networks from DSU and other HBCUs will be heavily involved.

Cultural Empowerment – Courses, clubs, and events will celebrate Black history and culture, reminding students that they are walking in the footsteps of greatness.

Early College Access – Through the DSU partnership, students may have the chance to earn college credits or participate in summer bridge programs before they even graduate.

Networking Opportunities – The school is planning regular visits from HBCU admissions counselors, student leaders, and alumni.

The Vision Behind the School

Principal Dr. Johnson describes the school as more than just a place for academics. It’s a movement for representation, empowerment, and opportunity.

Her vision is clear: “When our students walk across that graduation stage, they will already see themselves as HBCU-ready scholars and leaders.”

By creating this space in Queens, the nation’s most diverse borough, NYC is sending a message: Black students deserve educational pipelines that center their identity, their culture, and their future.

How to Apply & Sign Up

Now here’s the tea everyone wants to know: how do you actually get your child enrolled?

Parents and guardians can apply through the NYC Department of Education’s High School Application Process. Since this is a public school, enrollment is free, but space is limited. Families should:

1. Check the NYC DOE MySchools Portal – The HBCU Prep High School will be listed among the choices for Queens high schools.

2. Attend Open Houses & Info Sessions – The school will host community meetings where families can meet staff, learn about the curriculum, and ask questions.

3. Submit an Application on Time – Applications usually open in the fall (October–December). Students should list HBCU Prep as a top choice.

4. Look Out for Updates from DSU & DOE – Because this is a partnership program, DSU may also share updates about scholarships, summer programs, and special opportunities for enrolled students.

Pro Tip: Families should reach out directly to the school’s administration or the Queens South High School Superintendent’s office for exact details about deadlines and admissions requirements.

The Bigger Picture: A Model for the Nation

The Queens HBCU Prep High School is just the beginning. If successful, this model could expand to other cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, or even smaller towns where Black students are underrepresented in college pipelines.

Imagine a future where every major city has an HBCU Prep school feeding into institutions like Howard, Spelman, Hampton, and FAMU. That’s more than a school system — that’s a cultural revolution in education.

This is more than a headline — it’s a milestone. Queens just became the birthplace of a movement that could transform access to higher education for generations of Black students. With Dr. Asya Johnson’s leadership, Delaware State’s partnership, and NYC’s backing, the future looks bright.

The question now is: who’s next?

What do you think, fam? Would you enroll your child in an HBCU prep high school? And do you think other cities should follow NYC’s lead? Let’s talk about it in the comments.