Most kids in Queens go to their zoned school for grades six through eight. But if your child has a special interest or talent or you’re not happy with the school around the corner, there are other options. Here are some of our recommendations of schools that accept kids from throughout the borough. (A few even accept Brooklyn students!)

We’ll be re-visiting many of these schools before applications are due on Dec. 1, so keep checking for updated reviews and slideshows.

Look for our list of charter schools in January. Applications for charters are due on April 1.

Robert F. Wagner Jr. Secondary School for Arts and Technology (grades 6-12), Long Island City, District 24
Why we picked it: Diverse, safe school with high test scores and supportive environment
Who gets in: With many more applicants than seats, Wagner admits students based on grades and test scores, as well as a writing sample and group interview.

PS/MS 499 The Queens College School for Math, Science and Technology (grades pre k – 8), Flushing, District 25
Why we picked it: Small, cheery and diverse school offering science and arts electives along with solid academics in a spacious building.
Who gets in: Priority to returning 5th graders and siblings of current students. A random lottery open to all Queens students takes place for the very limited number of remaining seats.

Channel View School for Research (grades 6-12), Far Rockaway, District 27
Why we picked it: Hands-on activities and expeditions encourage students to solve real-life problems
Who gets in: Priority to students from District 27 but others from throughout Queens are accepted on the basis of grades, test scores, an interview and a writing sample.

Scholars Academy (grades 6-12), Far Rockaway, District 27
Why we picked it: Diverse with demanding academics and ample arts offerings; cutting-edge technology.
Who gets in: Fourth grade grades and test scores, an interview and the school’s own assessment.

Young Women's Leadership School of Queens (grades 6-12), Jamaica, District 28
Why we picked it: All girls school with demanding college-prep program and emphasis on technology
Who gets in: Girls from throughout Queens based on their 4th grade report card and exams.

Preparatory Academy for Writers: A College Board School (grades 6-12), Springfield Gardens, District 29
Why we picked it: Small with lots of writing and collaborative group work, all 8th graders take some high-school level classes.
Who gets in: Residents of District 29 fill most seats but it is open to all Queens students. Priority goes to those who attend an information session at the school.

Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria (grades 6-12), Astoria, District 30
Why we picked it: Diverse all-girls school with strong academics and emphasis on community and STEM
Who gets in: Girls from throughout Queens based on their 4th grade records, writing samples and a group interview.

IS 227 Louis Armstrong (grades 5-8), East Elmhurst, District 30
Why we picked it: Large diverse school with a safe, cooperative environment, experienced teachers and high test scores.
Who gets in: Runs its own application process to select diverse student body from Queens.

The Baccalaureate School for Global Education (grades 7 – 12), Long Island City, District 30
Why we picked it: Demanding International Baccalaureate academic program but a laid-back atmosphere and inviting space.
Who gets in: Starts in 7th grade and admits students via its own application process.

IS 383 Philippa Schuyler School for the Gifted and Talented (grades 5–8), Bushwick, District 32
Why we picked it: Several Regents offerings, a hydroponic science lab and lots of arts courses and electives, including dance and steel band.
Who gets in: Queens and Brooklyn resident applying to enter 5th or 6th grade based on attendance and punctuality, report card grades, standardized test scores and an interview.

All City Leadership Secondary School (grades 6-12), Bushwick, District 32
Why we picked it: Students are cadets; safe, respectful environment; high test scores – and everyone graduates.
Who gets in: Queens and Brooklyn students based on their behavior, attendance, test scores and grades and an interview.