Our History » P.S. 66 Through the Years

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, the school features beautiful brick and terracotta designs and stands on a strong stone foundation.


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 became part of New York City. A large bell once sat on top of the building and rang each morning to begin the school day.


In 2003, the school was renamed to honor Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, recognizing her love for reading, education, and historic preservation. That same year, the building became an official New York City landmark and was added to the National Register of Historic Places.


In 2020, a new modern extension was added with classrooms, a computer lab, a cafeteria, and a yoga studio. Today, every classroom includes technology such as smart boards, document cameras, and laptops. Our teachers design welcoming and engaging spaces where students can learn, grow, and feel proud to be part of P.S. 66.