Our Insights
What’s Special
Provides Spanish-speaking newcomers with strong arts-focused classes
The Downside
No on-site outdoor sports fields
The Pan American International High School (PAIHS) in Elmhurst is an Internationals Network public high school that serves newly arrived Latinx students and provides them with a bilingual education. In the classroom and in after-school programs, students study content in both English and Spanish. The school’s specialty programming focuses largely on the visual and performing arts.
The school also offers families adult English classes and Spanish-language workshops on personal finance and immigration paperwork.
Academics and Instruction: In all classrooms, PAIHS faculty and staff engage with students in both their native Spanish and English. Often, students will use Spanish and English together in the same class lesson or extracurricular activity.
The school also has a strong sense of community—offering youth advocacy groups that participate in neighborhood improvement, student internships, and a rich performing and visual arts program that hosts plays and other performances year-round.
Starting in 9th grade, students can specialize in different subject areas like computer science, visual art, and music.
Students who need more support from teachers can attend extra academic support sessions before and after school and on Saturdays.
College & Career: In addition to Advanced Placement (AP) classes, students may take special courses offered each semester through LaGuardia Community College, or participate in paid internships in the community. PAIHS has a full college advising team and is a part of many NYC Department of Education (DOE) initiatives such as Future Ready NYC, Modern Youth Apprenticeship, and the Immigrant Ambassador Program. All seniors apply to college and receive 1:1 advising from a college advisor.
Culture & Environment: In the 2023 NYC Schools Survey, students, staff and families report that there is a positive, safe learning environment and above-average levels of support compared to other NYC high schools.
The school prides itself in its encouragement of inclusivity through celebrations, cultural affirming practices and lessons, and other activities based on students' interests. Students take courses that value native language development and culture with a focus on the Latinx community. Each year, PAIHS hosts an “International Night” where students perform folkloric music and dance from a variety of Latin American countries such as Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador.
Building & Facilities: The school has a new playground, a multipurpose room/gymnasium for sports training, and a library. Students gather in the modern and open lobby space to read a book, work with a mentor, or join a team activity. (Paul Rochford, web reports and questionnaire responses, December 2023)
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School Stats
Academics
Students
Race/Ethnicity
Safety & Vibe
Faculty & Staff
Advanced Courses
Calculus
Not offered in 2021-21Computer Science
Physics
Advanced Foreign Language
AP/IB Arts, English, History or Social Science
AP/IB Math or Science
Music
College Readiness
Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryPan American International High School (Q03A)
Program Description:
This is a comprehensive CTE program which includes rigorous study in: Information Technology, Computer Repair, Coding, Adobe, and Web Design. Additionally, AP Studio Art, Drawing and Painting, Photography, Theater, and Music. In partnership with: SUNY University of Albany, LaGuardia Community College, Theater Development Fund, International Network for Public Schools, and College for Every Student.
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryLanguage Courses
Spanish
Advanced Courses
Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP Calculus AB, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language and Composition, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Spanish Literature and Culture, Arts (College Course [Credited]), Chemistry (Advanced Science), ELA (College Course [Credited]), Physics (Advanced Science), World Languages (Advanced World Languages)
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
45-10 94Th Street
Queens
NY
11373
Trains: to Junction Blvd
Buses: Q29, Q38, Q53-SBS, Q58, Q72
Contact
Other Details
This school shares the Elmhurst Educational Campus with two other schools
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