Education in Astoria

The population of Astoria, Queens, has many
schools to choose from in Astoria and Long Island City.

Among the numerous public schools are several private institutions,
spanning across the entire radius of this diverse area.

From school to school, teachers boast about the students they harbor and the bright futures
that previous individuals have achieved.
The leaders of these educational centers possess immense pride in their everyday work
and are influential in carrying on the success that is education in Astoria.

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>>>Elementary and Middle Schools<<<

>Public<

Our World Neighborhood Charter School

The Our World Neighborhood Charter School also focuses on individuality and ethnic diversity. Located on 36th Street, 35th Avenue, this institution has an enrollment of about 675 current students. They pride themselves on being located in Astoria, which they claim is one of the most diverse communities in the United States. Students, ranging from grades K-7, are expected to especially focus on their history, art and music studies.


P.S. 84 - Steinway School



P.S. 84 is very focused on what was once called "global arts." The Center for Arts Education plays a very important role in this institution's everyday activities. Through this group, which supports arts in schools, P.S. 84 has been able to offer many art activities, including playing the recorder, lessons in music history and composition, and even days with visiting artists. The school's test rates are very high in both math and reading and the rate of parent participation is very high and constantly improving. In terms of special education, this school allows inclusion classes, mixing special and general education students and has two classes for physically disabled students. One class is even for the emotionally disturbed. Overall, the school is very well-rounded.


P.S. 122 - Mamie Fay School

The Mamie Fay School holds a very respectable reputation in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens. This is due in large part to the students who occupy the large building, many of whom go on to Hunter College High School and the likes. Teachers at P.S. 122 are willing to prepare any student who takes upon an academic challenge. The elementary school is integrated with a middle school that reaches grade eight. Even the principal holds an after-school program to assist those graduating from middle school with test prep. Parents complain that there is a strong emphasis on test preparation for the city’s specialized high schools, but a student we spoke with who has attended both P.S. 122 and Stuyvesant High School claims it is essential to be prepared for the challenges in high school and helps boost confidence. The school prevails in many respects, from outstanding music/arts/library/gym facilities to excellent test scores.


P.S. 234

P.S. 234 is another gifted school, with outstanding motivation for reading. The school decorates its hallways and lobbies with friendly reminders and encouragements to read on a daily basis. The students search for ways to present their work creatively in all subjects, occasionally drawing what they find in their research. The school offers afterschool programs in mathematics and art and even offers English classes to foreign parents. Parent participation is high and the school has special programs for the academically challenged. P.S. 234 is located on 30-15 29th street, where it shares its building with a middle school, located on the 4th floor.


>Private<

El-Ber Islamic School



The El-Ber Islamic School currently has a population of about 44 children, ranging from grades Pk-6, as stated by the principal. This institution is a private school located 49th Street, Astoria. After attending this school, many students move on to further their education at public institutions. On some occasions, children move back to their native countries.


Immaculate Conception School

The Immaculate Conception School prides itself on its incorporation of the Catholic faith into their educational programs. The professionals at this institution believe in ethnic diversity and in celebrating individuality to help students grow to become well-rounded, well-educated, and mature adults. Located on 29th Street, 21st Avenue in Astoria, The Immaculate Conception School harbors a total population of about 292 students from grades Pk-8.


Les Enfants Montessori School



The Les Enfants Montessori School, located on 29th Street, Newton Avenue, specializes in educating children in grades Pk-1. They believe that their programs are specifically designed to enhance the curiosity and individuality of each child. A second home to around 31 students, the Les Enfants Montessori School provides parents with a safe haven for their younger children. As stated by the administrators, almost 100% of the students advance to gifted programs in the future.


Our Lady of Mt Carmel School



Located on 23-25 Newtown Avenue, Our Lady of Mt Carmel School offers its students a picturesque gothic-structured institution of learning that is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. However, many parents complain the façade does not do justice. Even with the ever increasing tuition, some parents claim they constantly find themselves going over material with their children that should have been ‘taught’ at school. While the K-8 student body undoubtedly has a good time at Mt Carmel, parents are frequently bombarded with donation inquiries to the school. Even when visiting the school’s website, one can find that $16,500 of the $25,000 fundraising goal has yet to be met.


Queens Lutheran School

The Queens Lutheran School is dedicated to "bringing Jesus Christ to the hearts and minds of children and their families by providing quality Christian education," as stated in their mission statement. The students range from grades Pk-8. Alongside regular programs like those seen in public schools, the Queens Lutheran School offers bible-based religious instruction and weekly chapel services. This institution is located on 31st Street, 21st Avenue.


St. Catherine & St. George

St. Catherine & St. George is a Greek Orthodox institution located on 22-30 33rd Street. Its total population is currently about 195 students. Like other religious institutions, St. Catherin & St. George is dedicated to enhancing each child's individuality through spiritual learning. Each child is expected to develop problem solving skills and enhance academic performance beyond his or her current age. This school's students range in grade from Pk-4.


St. Demetrios School



Outside of Greece, the largest Hellenic society is nestled in Astoria, NY. Naturally, the ideal location to create a school that preserves the language and customs of the Greeks would also be located in Astoria. St. Demetrios is comprised of a lower, middle, and upper school. Many students here are from 2nd and 3rd generation Greek families, and parents feel that sending their children to this school is necessary to avoid deracination of their backgrounds. A vast majority of financial support for the school comes from St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church which does not interfere in the school’s teaching methods. Nearly 100% of students at St. Demetrios are fluent in English and the school therefore, does not provide an ESL program. The 10% of students who are fluent in Greek only are strongly persuaded to learn English before they are asked to leave.


St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi is a Roman Catholic school that offers grades Pk-8. Located on 21-18 46th Street, it is a center for learning the values associated with regular school programs and the learning associated with their religious affiliation. St. Francis of Assisi's total student population caps off at around 274.



>>>High Schools<<<

>Private<

St. John's Preparatory School

Academically affiliated with St. John’s University and chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, St. John’s Prep is a co-educational high school located on 21-21 Crescent Street. While implementing religious instruction, the school tries to provide a challenge to those students who seek to become better prepared for post-secondary schools through Advanced Placement classes. Of the 35 AP courses offered by the College Board, students at St. John’s Prep took exams in Biology, Calculus AB, European History, Spanish Language and Spanish Literature, and U.S. History. While not a traditionally competitive school, parents boast that administration truly teach students the value of diversity upheld at this institution which is essential for the 'real world.'


>Public<

Baccalaureate School for Global Education

So you’ve heard of Advanced Placement classes (or APs—simply put). But at the Baccalaureate School for Global Education, all students prepare for the International Baccalaureate, a degree widely accepted at universities in 110 countries outside the United States. It is the first public school of its kind in New York City. The school has only recently been founded, but the small number of graduates of the class of 2006 have gone on to schools such as Bard, BU Honors, Ithaca College, Sarah Lawrence, Yale, as well as many local colleges. Because the school is relatively new, some of its facilities are lacking. Nevertheless, many teachers who are devoted to making the secondary school experience for students unforgettable make the Baccalaureate School for Global Education a one-of-kind experience.



Most of the schools in Astoria are elementary/middle schools. It is because of this that many of the students who graduate from those schools progress to attend schools in Long Island City, which is adjacent to Astoria. These students stay within close proximity to Astoria as they attend centers for higher learning. Below are some examples of schools located in Long Island City.

Academy of Finance & Enterprise
Academy of American Studies High School
Aviation Career and Tech High School
Frank Sinatra High School
HS-Applied Communications
High School for Information Technology
International High School at La Guardia



Education in Astoria: Becky and David

Special Thanks to the residents of Astoria!