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The first 6-12 school in the Internationals Network
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Too soon to say
Queens International Secondary (QIS) is the first combined middle and high school in the Internationals Network. The school is designed for students learning English and will admit Queens students who have lived in the US for four years or less. The school will serve grades 6 and 9 in September 2025 and add more grades each year after.
QIS offers regular middle and high school courses with language support. Lessons focus on hands-on learning through group projects, discussion, internships, and apprenticeships.
The 6-12 model offers several advantages, according to the school’s founding principal, Elizabeth Demchak, former principal of Claremont International. As the school grows, grades 6 and 7 will be combined, as will grades 9 and 10, so students can support one another. And high schoolers can travel to and from school with younger students, which eases stress for some families.
Every 11th grade student will complete a 12-week internship during the spring semester. Internships may take place at tech organizations, local politicians’ and business offices, hospitals, and other locations depending on student interest. To prepare for their internships, 9th- and 10th-graders take classes on career exploration and skill-building.
High school students may take Advanced Placement classes as well as online college courses through National Equity Lab.
A CHAMPS programs offers sports, arts, academic help, and wellness programs for middle school students. The school also offers soccer for all grades. In addition to an on-site after school program, the school will help students find other clubs, if they wish to explore a special topic, at other schools.
The school will support families through workshops on tenants’ rights, food stamps, and food or clothing drives. Families will have access to immigration support and legal services. Plans include offering adult English classes and workplace programs like OSHA certifications.
Queens International 6-12 opens September 2025. It will begin with 6th and 9th grades, adding more each year, and is located at 977 Seneca Avenue, Queens, NY, 11385. (Lydie Raschka, web reports, January 2025)
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Contact & Location
Location
977 Seneca Avenue
Queen
NY
11385
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