Our Insights
What’s Special
Software engineering program
The Downside
No gymnasium
At Cambria Heights Academy, students study software engineering, may earn a professional certificate in cybersecurity and participate in internships. The school fosters a close-knit community and maintains connections with alumni. Most students, including those with disabilities, graduate on time.
Reading and writing take place in all subjects. During Orientation Week in September, 9th and 10th grade students create a multi-genre autobiography and participate in community service. Juniors and seniors work on their resumes to prepare for internships and begin their college admissions process. The curriculum includes reading complete novels, not just excerpts, for example, Animal Farm (1945), George Orwell's classic on the corruption of power, and Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937), Zora Neale Huston’s story of a Black woman finding love and independence.
Teachers meet weekly to plan and improve instruction; they use consistent routines across all subjects. For example, students are encouraged to read a problem or concept three times to ensure full understanding before attempting to solve it or respond. The school has a 1:1 ratio of computers in each classroom.
Beyond academics, teens can practice music production skills, create electronic music, or play in a rock band after school. Some juniors and seniors take part in the Lazard New Visions Academy, a five-week summer program on career readiness, financial literacy, and professional skills. Internships take place during the school year and over the summer with local partners like the Police Athletic League.
Students participate in advisory groups, which meet twice weekly and center on community service and healthy ways to solve problems. Teens are encouraged (and in some cases required) to seek academic help during the school day. There is a guidance counselor, social worker, and two college interns on staff to support to all students.
The school keeps close tabs on student attendance, calling students when they’re absent and following up with those who are gone for longer periods. New Visions provides on-going data on absences and academic progress, as well as assistance with college selection and admissions.
College-bound students have earned spots at City and State Universities of New York, as well as Ivy league schools and private schools like Long Island University, and historically Black universities such as Howard and Hampton. Some graduates enter the military after high school, find a tech job, participate in internships, or attend a two- or four-year computer science program.
Founded in 2010, Cambria Heights is housed in a former Catholic school building. There is no gymnasium, but the cafeteria, yard, and fitness room are used for physical education classes. (Lydie Raschka, web reports and interview, September 2024)
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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
Not offered in 2021-21AP/IB Arts, English, History or Social Science
AP/IB Math or Science
Music
College Readiness
Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryCambria Heights Academy (Q44A)
Program Description:
All students are admitted into our software engineering program and after completing the necessary coursework have the option of graduating with a CTE diploma in addition to a high school diploma.
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryAdvanced Courses
Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP Statistics, AP United States Government and Politics, AP United States History, AP World History: Modern, Chemistry (Advanced Science), Comp Sci/Math Tech (College Course [Credited]), Social Studies (College Course [Credited])
Boys PSAL teams
Basketball, Bowling, Indoor Track
Girls PSAL teams
Basketball, Bowling, Indoor Track
Coed PSAL teams
Double Dutch
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
188-04 91St Avenue
Queens
NY
11423
Buses: Q1, Q110, Q17, Q2, Q3, Q36, Q43, Q76, Q77, Q83, X64, X68
Contact
Other Details
This school is in its own building.
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