P.S. 66 Through the Years

P.S. 66, The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, is a historic landmark in Richmond Hill, Queens. Built in the Romanesque style, it stands on a sturdy stone foundation and features detailed brick and terracotta designs.

The school opened in 1898 to serve children from nearby farms. It was first called the Brooklyn Hills School, then renamed The Oxford School in 1908 when Richmond Hill officially became part of New York City. A large bell once sat atop the building and was rung each day to signal the start of school.

In 2003, the school was renamed to honor former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, recognizing her dedication to reading, education, and preserving historic landmarks. That same year, the building earned designation as a New York City landmark and was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

In 2020, a modern extension was completed, adding new classrooms, a computer lab, a cafeteria, and a yoga studio. Today, every classroom includes smart boards, document cameras, and laptops. Teachers design these spaces to be welcoming, engaging, and supportive places for students to learn and grow.