Our Insights
What’s Special
Serves new immigrants and connects them with internships at hospitals
The Downside
Limited clubs and activities due to size
The International High School for Health Sciences (ISH-HS) offers personal attention for new immigrants, with a special focus on the medical and health science fields. Opened in 2013, it is a member of the Internationals Network for Public Schools. Students come from 26 countries and speak 20 languages.
Academics & Instruction: All classes are conducted in English, though the school has many staff who are multilingual. To help students learn English, Health Sciences takes a hands-on approach to biology and other subjects, with experiments, projects and group work rather than lectures. The school mixes ages and abilities so students can work together and practice English while they are learning math, social studies and science.
Starting in 9th grade, students study professions in the health sciences and build up the skills they need to secure jobs. Tenth and 11th graders all take courses in anatomy, psychology, biotechnology and bioengineering and 11th and 12th graders participate in practical internships and medical assistantships.
Faculty help lead tutoring sessions and student clubs after school. Past clubs have included a student government, an LGBTQ+ and Allies Club and a fitness club.
Graduation rates and attendance are below the city average, but improving. The number of students in advanced courses and enrolled in college or technical school six months after graduation have also been on the rise.
Students may participate in a program which pairs them with Queensboro Community College and Northwell Health, a major NYC healthcare provider. Northwell offers paid internships to students, and if a student does not want to work in a medical setting, teachers help them find a placement that fits their interests.
Culture & Environment: The school is tiny with fewer than 300 students. Students say leadership and guidance at the school is strong, based on their responses to the annual NYC School Survey. A student task force meets monthly to keep faculty informed about student concerns. Counselors, teachers and administrators form teams that each work with a small group of students they mentor and accompany on school trips.
Teachers participate in on-going study of equity and bias in the classroom. They work to prevent and address issues of bias, for example, through class projects on social justice issues, cultural celebrations, honoring of native languages, and small class sizes that allow for open discussion.
A team of two guidance counselors, a social worker and a youth advocate provide socio-emotional support to students.
Building & Facilities: The school is co-located with Newtown High School. Students participate in sports with Newtown, and the campus has a greenhouse and an outdoor container garden.
College & Career: Each year, students participate in college preparation classes, which include trips to colleges and universities, resume building, and instruction on applying for colleges and financial aid. IHS-HS has a full time college counselors. The school provides students with college and career planning mentors. (Paul Rochford, via web reports and questionnaire responses, October 2023)
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School Stats
Academics
Students
Race/Ethnicity
Safety & Vibe
Faculty & Staff
Advanced Courses
Calculus
Not offered in 2021-21Computer Science
Not offered in 2021-21Physics
Not offered in 2021-21Advanced Foreign Language
AP/IB Arts, English, History or Social Science
AP/IB Math or Science
Not offered in 2021-21Music
Not offered in 2021-21College Readiness
Visit Understanding FAFSA for help with the FAFSA and financial aid.
Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryInternational High School for Health Sciences (Q63A)
Program Description:
A CTE elective sequence for students interested in health careers that includes coursework in anatomy, biotechnology, career exploration, internship and clinical medical assisting.
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryLanguage Courses
Spanish
Advanced Courses
Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP Spanish Language and Culture, ELA (College Course [Credited]), Social Studies (College Course [Credited])
Boys PSAL teams
Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball
Girls PSAL teams
Basketball, Cross Country, Handball, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball
Coed PSAL teams
Cricket
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
48-01 90 Street
Queens
NY
11373
Trains: , to Grand Av-Newtown
Buses: Q11, Q21, Q29, Q38, Q52-SBS, Q53-SBS, Q58, Q59, Q60, Q72, Q88, QM10, QM11, QM40
Contact
Other Details
This school shares the building with Newtown High School
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