Our Insights
What’s Special
Veterinary program; a lab filled with animals
The Downside
Safety concerns, metal detectors
At George Washington Carver High School students care for small animals, learn to do independent research, and conduct hands-on lab work such as analyzing blood samples and x-rays.
Starting in 10th grade, children interact with animals in a lab on-site that houses hamsters, mice, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits, parrots, pigeons, tortoises, geckos and more, according to assistant principal Magdalena Bellamy. Some children have gone on to colleges that have veterinary programs, such as Mercy College, Cornell University and LaGuardia Community College.
The high school offers two programs for students, both with an emphasis on science and research. Veterinary Science Institute offers teens a chance to work towards a certification in Small Animal Science, which gives them a leg-up, whether they are applying to college, or to work in a pet store. Carver Research Institute has a broader science focus. Teens pick a topic and complete a research project by the end of junior year; one child extracted DNA from a strawberry, another studied the impact of mold on the environment.
Once children are accepted to either program, they may apply for a small honors track (Gateway), which has about 100 students school-wide, Bellamy said. This group must maintain a high grade point average and be involved in community service. A staff member supports them and keeps close tabs on their progress.
The school has a strict dress code but no uniform. The focus is on academics, Bellamy said. There are a few clubs, such as photography club, young women’s leadership and a multi-cultural club.
George Washington Carver shares the Springfield Gardens Educational Campus with three other schools. The schools share facilities including the media center, gymnasium and cafeteria. The building features a spacious outdoor field for football and track. Advanced Placement courses are open campus-wide.
The school struggles with safety like other schools on campus, with students report feeling unsafe in hallways and bathrooms at higher rates than the citywide average. Teachers also report that order and discipline are not maintained. Bellamy said teachers are getting training on how to de-escalate behavior but not all have it yet. Students must pass through metal detectors when entering the building. (Melanie Quiroz, web reports and interview, October 2018)
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School Stats
Academics
Students
Race/Ethnicity
Safety & Vibe
Faculty & Staff
Advanced Courses
Calculus
Not offered in 2021-21Computer Science
Physics
Not offered in 2021-21Advanced Foreign Language
AP/IB Arts, English, History or Social Science
AP/IB Math or Science
Music
Not offered in 2021-21College Readiness
Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryVeterinary Science Institute (Q45A)
Program Description:
Classes stress genuine hands-on experiences with theory. Students will engage in the theory and practice of Veterinary Science laboratory techniques and the use of technology through hands-on activities and simulations. Students will also participate in field experiences and problem solving. Our facility houses a selected variety of species of animals, where students learn humane care and become proficient in the handling, care and maintenance of small animals.
Pre-Nursing Institute Program (Q45B)
Program Description:
Pre-Nursing Institute Program is designed to provide students with an in-depth, well-rounded and thorough college preparatory education. At all levels of training, classroom teaching and learning will be complemented with foundational core courses that are theoretically based coupled with clinical practicum experiences, clinical internships and rotations, simulations and job shadowing that are appropriate to the specialty. Students enrolled in the program will develop skills in attention to detail, strong communication skills, and an energetic passion for helping others are among the many traits needed for professionals working in healthcare. Hence, the Pre-Nursing Institute Program will guide students in attaining the content-specific knowledge, critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills and values that are essential for professional nurse leaders, managers, other health-related professions, including the ability to make sound judgement and address the health needs of diverse cultural groups within the urban community.
Carver Research Institute (Q45C)
Program Description:
This program is a comprehensive program that allows students to pursue interests in Science, Math and their related fields. Particular emphasis is placed on skills in measurement, journaling, observation, prediction, experimentation, use of science tools, and formulating questions. Students will be expected to conduct research and participate in field experiences, symposia, expositions, and competitions.
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryLanguage Courses
Spanish
Advanced Courses
Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Statistics, AP United States History, Chemistry (Advanced Science), World Languages (Advanced World Languages)
Boys PSAL teams
Baseball, Basketball, Football, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Wrestling
Girls PSAL teams
Basketball, Flag Football, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball
Coed PSAL teams
Cricket, Stunt
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
143-10 Springfield Boulevard
Queens
NY
11413
Buses: Q3, Q77, Q85
Contact
Other Details
This school shares the Springfield Gardens Educational Campus with three other schools
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