A previous version of this story ran in October 2019. It has been updated with new information for October 2020. While the Department of Education has yet to finalize policies for the Fall 2020 admissions cycle, schools that typically screen for academic performance may have different admissions criteria this year because of COVID-19

Here are some good middle school options that accept students from all over Queens and, in a few cases, Brooklyn. Also consider schools that are open to children citywide. This list does not include charter schools, which have a separate admissions process.

IS 5, Walter H. Cromley School (grades 6-8) Elmhurst/District 24

Why we picked it: Dual language Spanish, solid academics and lots of extracurricular activities
Who gets in: While most come from several schools in District 24, the dual language Spanish program accepts students from across Queens with preference to those who attend elementary school Spanish dual language or bilingual programs, are learning English or are proficient in both Spanish and English.

IS 73, The Frank Sansivieri Intermediate School (grades 6-8) Maspeth/District 24

Why we picked it: Spanish dual language instruction; strong arts program
Who gets in: While most come from District 24, the dual language Spanish program accepts students from across Queens with preference to those who attend elementary school Spanish dual language or bilingual programs, are learning English or are proficient in both Spanish and English.

The Robert F. Wagner Secondary School for Arts and Technology (grades 6-12) Long Island City/District 24

Why we picked it: Small friendly school with strong record of achievement.
Who gets in: The school typically screens students based on academic performance.

The Queens College School for Math, Science and Technology (grades pre-k to 8) Flushing/District 25

Why we picked it: High-achieving, diverse school
Who gets in: The school admits by lottery. Sixth grade is the only entry point into middle school. Contact the school for a middle school application.

Channel View School for Research (grades 6-12) Far Rockaway/District 27

Why we picked it: Engaging hands-on learning and lots of field trips
Who gets in: Open to Queens students with priority to District 27 students. The school typically screens students based on academice performance.

Knowledge and Power Preparatory Academy (KAPPA) VI (grades 6-8) Far Rockaway/District 27

Why we picked it: Solid academics and 8th-graders tackle high school level work
Who gets in: The school typically screens students based on academice performance.

Young Women’s Leadership School, Queens (grades 6-12) Jamaica/District 28

Why we picked it: A supportive all-girls school with strong academics and good college support
Who gets in: The school typically screens students based on academice performance.

Preparatory Academy for Writers (grades 6-12) Springfield Gardens/District 29

Why we picked it: Strong writing instruction and solid academics
Who gets in: Most come from District 29, but space permitting, the school accept students from across Queens.

Louis Armstrong Middle School (grades 5-8) East Elmhurst/District 30

Why we picked it: Lively instruction, strong academics and a top-notch special education program.
Who gets in: Admission is through a complex lottery system designed to ensure a racial balance that reflects the diversity of Queens. The lottery also ensures that children of differing abilities attend. The odds of admission are somewhat better in 5th grade than in 6th grade.

Young Women’s Leadership School, Astoria (grades 6-12) Astoria/District 30

Why we picked it: A supportive all-girls school with strong academics and good college support
Who gets in: The school typically screens students based on academice performance.

All City Leadership Secondary School (grades 6-12), Bushwick/District 32

Why we picked it: Longtime respected principal; courtesy and respect are prized, sky high test scores and graduation rate
Who gets in: Open to Brooklyn and Queens students. The school typically screens students based on academice performance.

Philippa Schuyler JHS 383 (grades 5-8) Bushwick, District 32

Why we picked it: School begins in 5th grade and offers vibrant music program along with topnotch academics.
Who gets in: Brooklyn and Queens residents. The school typically screens students based on academice performance.