Queens High School for the Sciences

The Queens High School for the Sciences at York College (QHSS or QHSSYC) is a public specialized high school in New York City, run by the New York City Department of Education. It focuses on helping students who are very good at mathematics and science. Only 498 students go to this school, and they get in based on a test called the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test. It is the only school like this in the area of Queens.

The school shares its building with York College and started in 2002, along with two other special schools: the High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College and the High School of American Studies at Lehman College. QHSS is part of a group called the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology.

In 2024, a big report called the U.S. News & World Report said QHSS was the best high school in New York State and 25th best in the whole country. The school does very well in things like graduating students, test scores, and how often students go to class. However, some teachers at the school were not very happy with the way the school is run.

Academics

QHSS focuses on sciences and mathematics to prepare students for college. The school’s lessons are built around Regents and Advanced Placement exams, and it often achieves some of the top scores in the country. Students need 44 credits to earn a New York State Regents diploma, with extra requirements for an Advanced Regents Diploma set by the state.

Some students take part in special projects and internships. They present their work at science fairs and events across the United States, such as the International Science and Engineering Fair.

Extracurriculars

The school offers many activities for students to join, such as clubs and a few sports teams. Some of the clubs include QHSS Alchemists, QHSS Music Makers, Key Club, Model UN, Robotics Club, and many more.

QHSS has a bowling and swimming team that competes in the Public School Athletic League.

History

In June 2006, the school's first principal, Brian Jetter, retired, and Jie Zhang became the new principal. In 2011, Jie Zhang moved to Stuyvesant High School, and Dr. David Marmor took over. After Dr. Marmor left in 2013, Lenneen Gibson became principal until October 2016. She was temporarily replaced by B.D. Anthony, and then Ana De Jesus became the principal in November 2016.

In March 2022, there was a scary moment when someone called in a threat about a bomb at York College, where the school is located. Students were safely moved to another school nearby.

In 2026, the school was approved to move to a new building on Hillside Avenue, and this move will happen during the 2026–2027 school year.

Transportation

The New York City Subway has a station called Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Avenue–JFK Airport station close by. There are also several New York City Bus routes nearby. Students who live far from the school get special cards for free public transportation on their first day.

School climate

In the New York City Department of Education’s 2024 School Quality Guide, Queens High School for the Sciences scored lower than the city average on some important measures. Only 28% of teachers said they trusted the principal, while 81% of teachers citywide felt the same way. The school also scored lower in areas like teacher influence in decisions and instructional leadership.

Facilities

The school works with York College, letting its students use college facilities like the library, science labs, computer labs, theater, cafeteria, and gym. QHSS is located on the second floor of the college's science building.

In 2025, the New York Post reported that students, parents, and teachers started a campaign to move QHSS to a new high school building being built at 165-18 Hillside Avenue.