Queens International School

Queens International School is an IB World School in the Jamaica Hills neighborhood of Queens, one of the most ethnically diverse boroughs in the world. The school offers the full International Baccalaureate continuum — Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme — for students aged 3 to 18, drawing its student body from over 60 nationalities and more than 40 home languages, a reflection of the extraordinary cultural richness of the surrounding community. The campus occupies a purpose-built facility on Parsons Boulevard featuring spacious classrooms, three science laboratories, a technology center with individual workstations, a cafeteria serving culturally diverse meal options, a library and media center, an outdoor sports field, and a multi-purpose gymnasium. The school has invested significantly in its STEM infrastructure, including a dedicated maker space equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and electronics prototyping stations. Academically, the school embraces the IB's philosophy of inquiry-based, concept-driven learning. Students develop critical thinking, research skills, and intercultural understanding through projects that frequently draw on the lived experiences and cultural heritage of the school's diverse families. IB Diploma candidates have achieved solid pass rates, with graduates gaining admission to CUNY Macaulay Honors College, NYU, Boston University, University of Toronto, and universities across Europe and Asia. Queens International School holds authorization from the International Baccalaureate Organization and accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The school is registered with NYSED and meets all New York State graduation requirements in addition to IB Diploma standards. Korean and Spanish are offered as additional languages alongside the required English and heritage language support programs. The school's affordability sets it apart in the NYC independent school landscape. Tuition fees range from USD 28,000 to USD 48,000 per year, meaningfully below Manhattan averages, making an IB education accessible to a broader range of families. A robust financial aid program further supports socioeconomic diversity, and the school's location in Queens offers convenient access via the E, F, and 7 subway lines. Extracurricular activities include competitive soccer and basketball teams, a multicultural arts festival, debate club, coding club, and a student-led community garden. The school participates in the IB CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) framework, with students logging service hours at partner organizations across Queens.