We, the students, families, staff, and supporters of Queens High School for the Sciences at York College (QHSS) respectfully call attention to the urgent need for improved facilities and a new school building. QHSS suffers from a range of long-standing facility issues that directly impact student learning, safety, and well-being. We call on the NYC Department of Education, city leaders, and local legislators to invest in a dedicated school building for QHSS—one that reflects the excellence of its students and the promise of public education in Queens.

ABOUT QHSS

As one of New York City’s nine Specialized High Schools, and the only one located in Queens, QHSS has long been a center of academic excellence and student achievement. We proudly serve a diverse student body that reflects the vibrancy and richness of Queens. 

Despite operating without many of the resources available to other schools, QHSS continues to achieve extraordinary results: 

• #1 Ranked High School in New York State and #25 in the nation (U.S. News & World Report, 2023–2024) 
• Recognized with the College Board Platinum AP Honor Roll Distinction (2023–2024) 
• Earned national accolades including: 24 National Merit Scholarship Recipients (2019–2024); 10 National Merit Semifinalists (2024–2025); 25 QuestBridge Finalists (2023–2024); National Cyber Scholarship and Water Champions for Outstanding Poetry; Mini Research Grants and Robotics Recognition (Ranked 7th in NYC FIRST Tech Challenge). 
• 100% graduation rate, with every graduate attending a four-year college. Nearly all students (98%) earn Advanced Regents Diplomas, and 63% graduate with honors—demonstrating both academic excellence and college readiness at the highest level.

These are not just numbers—they are a testament to the determination of our students, the dedication of our faculty, and the strength of our community. Notwithstanding the current limited resources and shared facilities, students at QHHS persevere. They form deep friendships, care for one another, and build a school community that is safe, supportive, and inspiring. But a school’s physical environment should match its students’ aspirations and currently, ours does not. 

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Granting QHSS a dedicated school building would significantly enhance our students' high school experience. Students would have the opportunity to thrive both academically and socially, enjoying a true NYC DOE Specialized High School experience that is enriching and memorable. Such a space would allow for the fairness and equity our students deserve, in line with their peers at other DOE schools. It would provide:

• Safe, modern facilities with proper ventilation and adequate classroom space. 
• Adequate space and resources for afterschool activities, clubs, and performing arts classes.  At present QHHS has no dedicated auditorium.  
• Access to fresh, hot lunches served in a full-sized cafeteria that could provide students with a variety of food options—replacing the current makeshift lunchroom which has limited seating and no kitchen. 
• Gym facilities and room to form additional sports teams—eliminating the need for students to travel to other schools to participate in basketball or handball practices.  Students would no longer have to cross two busy intersections (including Liberty Avenue) without a crossing guard to access offsite gym space. 
• Lockers for students to store books and winter coats, and improved hallway flow to ease transitions between classes.  Students currently have no lockers and must navigate overcrowded hallways. 
• On-site facilities to take the SAT, AP, and Regents exams free from disruptions and the need to rent classrooms, avoiding issues like double-booking or college students trying to access testing rooms while in use.
• Facilities to comply with the city’s new class-size mandates, which currently put significant strain on a space that is already stretched beyond its capacity. 
• Expanded capacity to accommodate more students from Queens so they do not need to travel to other boroughs to attend a specialized high school.

Providing QHSS with its own building is not just about space—it is about opportunity, dignity, and giving students what they rightfully deserve to succeed. Queens High School for the Sciences is a symbol of what public education can achieve. Our students and educators have done their part. Now, we respectfully ask for your support in helping us create a safe, well-equipped, and fully functional learning environment. 

We urge you with this petition to recognize the urgent need for change and help us advocate for a better future—not just for QHSS, but for the borough of Queens and the generations of students who will follow.