Our Insights
What’s Special
Well-run school that gives older students & new immigrants a fresh start
The Downside
No gymnasium
Queens Satellite High School for Opportunity in Jamaica, Queens, is a small school for students new to the United States or behind on credits. Students are between 16 and 21 years old. With three terms each year, students can earn credits faster and catch up more quickly, learning at their own pace.
Academics and Instruction: Queens Satellite may be a students’ third or fourth high school, and students are on average 18 years old. They take regular courses in subjects like math, science and social studies, and may choose electives.
Lessons are project-based and often combine subjects. For example, students may research a historical event in their history class, and write a report about it in English class. They usually work in groups to solve problems.
Students only take the English Language Arts (ELA) Regents exam. For the other subjects, they use performance-based assessment tasks (PBAT’s), like science experiments or history projects. These tasks help students show what they've learned and can improve graduation rates, as shown by a 2020 study.
Culture and Environment: Students apply to Queens Satellite using a form on the school’s website. The school works with the NYC Department of Education and groups helping immigrants to support new students arriving in New York City
The school connects newcomers with legal and housing resources, and has a food pantry. A dentist sets up a temporary clinic in the auditorium, and students are referred to local clinics for other health needs.
In the fall, there is a fun event with games held at a nearby park to welcome families. Monthly school wide meetings are held, and some students participate in an all-school trip to Washington, DC, Boston or elsewhere.
Students can join volleyball, softball and basketball PSAL sports, and a club soccer team. Clubs include a girl’s group, an explorer’s club where students travel around New York City in a group, and an arts club.
Attendance is a challenge, especially for students who may live in shelters and have other duties. The school checks in with students who miss three days of class to offer support.
English as a New Language & Special Education: English language learners make up half or more of the student population. Newcomer students may join a summer program, to visit New York’s sights, like the Statue of Liberty and Intrepid Museum, and practice English.
The school has one special education teacher who works with students with disabilities separately, plus ICT (integrated co-teaching) teachers who co-teach in general ed classrooms. Counseling is available.
Building & Facilities: Queens Satellite is located in a small, landmarked building, and is not wheelchair accessible. It has eight classrooms and a large auditorium. Students visit a nearby YMCA for gym. The building is shared with Pathways to Graduation and adult education services.
College & Career: Students work with guidance counselors through a “learn to work” partnership with the nonprofit Queens Community House, to plan their future after graduation. There are two to three college visits per year. (Dashiell Allen, interview and web reports, August 2024)
Get more from InsideSchools
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
Not offered in 2021-21AP/IB Arts, English, History or Social Science
Not offered in 2021-21AP/IB Math or Science
Not offered in 2021-21Music
College Readiness
Visit Understanding FAFSA for help with the FAFSA and financial aid.
Contact & Location
Location
162-02 Hillside Avenue
Queens
NY
11432
Trains: , , to Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer; to Parsons Blvd
Buses: Q4, Q5, Q20A, Q20B, Q24, Q30, Q31, Q42, Q44 SBS, Q83, Q84, Q85, Q6, Q8, Q9, Q25, Q34, Q41, Q65, Q110, Q111, Q112, Q113, Q114
Contact
Other Details
This school is in its own building.
Was this information helpful?
Get more from InsideSchools
You may also like …
Jamaica Gateway to the Sciences
Queens, NY 11432
Hillcrest High School
Queens, NY 11432
Comments