Forte Preparatory High School Completes 59,000 SF Elmhurst Campus

• Forte Preparatory High School has completed construction on a new six-story, 59,000-square-foot academic building at 78-02 Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst, Queens.
• The building was developed by Apex Development Group LLC and designed by SBJ Group.
• The new school includes classrooms, a media center, gymnasium, cafeteria, arts spaces, rooftop recreation space and outdoor areas.
• Forte Preparatory High School is scheduled to open for the 2026-2027 academic year on Sept. 8, 2026.

What The New School Brings to Elmhurst

Construction is complete on Forte Preparatory High School at the corner of Queens Boulevard and Hillyer Street, replacing what was previously a surface-level parking lot. The six-story building provides approximately 59,000 square feet of academic and recreational space for students in grades nine and ten. The project adds a dedicated educational facility to a busy section of Elmhurst while putting a previously underutilized site to a new use.

What The Building Looks Like

Designed by SBJ Group, the school has a colorful exterior made from insulated metal panel rainscreen systems in bright yellow, green and gray. The main entrance sits at the northwest corner beneath a canopy displaying the school's name. Narrow windows line the ground floor, while the upper floors feature a more consistent grid of larger windows. A bulkhead rises along the southern property line. The colorful façade gives the building a distinctly contemporary appearance and helps differentiate the school from the surrounding commercial and residential properties along Queens Boulevard.

What Students Will Find Inside

The new facility goes beyond traditional classrooms. The school includes a media center, cafeteria, dedicated arts spaces, teacher lounges and an indoor gymnasium with a regulation high school basketball court. Students will also have access to a large rooftop recreation area and an outdoor terrace, providing additional space for activities outside the classroom.

What The Project Replaced

Before construction began, the property was occupied by a surface parking lot. The completed school now brings a substantial new building and educational use to the site. The redevelopment is also notable for making use of a prominent Queens Boulevard location rather than leaving the property as an open parking area.

What The New Location Means for Students

Forte Preparatory High School is conveniently located near public transportation. The M and R trains are accessible at the Grand Avenue–Newton Street station, while a nearby Queens Boulevard/Ireland Street bus stop provides additional transit service. The school is scheduled to welcome students for the 2026-2027 academic year on Sept. 8, with student orientations taking place from Sept. 1 through Sept. 3.