Charter Schools & Magnet Schools in Queens

Charter and magnet schools give your child a themed education in subjects such as STEM or performing arts. Read our guide online.

Considering a charter or magnet school for your child in Queens? The most important thing to know is charter and magnet schools are public schools that often have a specific focus. Charter schools in Queens, for example, typically respond to a need articulated by public school parents. On the other hand, Magnet schools in Queens are federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Innovation and Improvement and offer a specialized curriculum following a specific theme (think: STEM, civic leadership, and global conservation). Though charter and magnet schools are tuition-free (thanks to them being public schools), there is an application process. Want to find the perfect charter school or magnet school in Queens for your child? Below, you’ll find the best charter and magnet schools in Flushing, Astoria, Long Island City, Jamaica, Kew Gardens, Ridgewood, Fresh Meadows, Middle Village, Glendale, Jackson Heights, Maspeth, Woodside, and beyond.

Watch the Manhattan, Brooklyn, & Queens School Showcase today to "tour" schools, meet directors, and find the perfect school for your child!

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Charter Schools

NEW YORK CITY MAGNET SCHOOLS DISTRICT 28
Queens - Jamaica and Richmond Hill ,
Email info@magnetschools.nyc 

Each magnet school offers a unique program designed to promote diversity, academic excellence, and equity for children 3K through eighth grade. The specialized thematic programs, innovative curriculum, and diversified approaches to teaching offer rigorous instruction that builds content knowledge, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills for all students.

OUR WORLD NEIGHBORHOOD CHARTER SCHOOL 2
135-25 79th St., Howard Beach
718-392-3405, Lucille Ranchor
Email admissions@owncs.org

Our World Neighborhood Charter Schools (OWNCS) joined the Queens school community in 2002. Through a literacy-based, integrated, and standards-driven curriculum that encourages community and honors diversity, students receive the broad education they need to meet the academic and social challenges of the best NYC High Schools and thrive in today's world.

PS 140Q: THE EDWARD K. ELLINGTON MAGNET SCHOOL OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND THE ARTS - A STEAM MAGNET SCHOOL
166-01 116th Ave., Jamaica
718-657-4760 
Email mainoffice@ps140.org 

The Edward K. Ellington Magnet School of Science, Technology, and the Arts - our motto, “Where Greatness Occurs, One Step At A Time.” Project-based STEAM curriculum, advanced technology, arts, music, enrichment clubs, and middle-school prep. We strive to develop productive, self-thinking, problem-solving citizens, capable of thriving in an ever-evolving world. 

PS 349: THE MAGNET SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION THROUGH STEAM
88-08 164th St., Jamaica
718-558-6220 
Email nyckreda2@schools.nyc.gov 

PS 349 offers a rigorous STEAM curriculum designed to inspire imagination through engineering and design, spark curiosity, and engage exploration. Leadership studies integrate “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” into all classes allowing for collaboration and communication. Students practice leadership through self–management, self–awareness, and responsible decision-making.

PS 55: THE MAURE MAGNET SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION ARTS, TECHNOLOGY AND MULTIMEDIA
131-10 97th Ave., Richmond Hill
718-849-3845
Email info@ps55q.com 

At PS 55 every student has a voice. Theme-based instruction, project-based units, arts and technology integration. Students develop higher order thinking skills, share ideas, connect with each other, engage and explore. Learning is expanded by writing code, creating audio and video presentations, performing music, graphic design, and using 3D printers.  

VOICE CHARTER SCHOOL 
718-361-1694
36-24 12th St., Upper Campus (third-eighth grades)
37-15 13th St., Lower Campus (kindergarten-second)

Email admissions@voicecharterschool.org

VOICE Charter School is a public elementary and middle school located in Long Island City, currently serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. We combine rigorous academics with daily instruction in choral singing, encouraging creative and critical thinking while improving academic performance.

Public Schools

NEW YORK CITY MAGNET SCHOOLS DISTRICT 28
Queens - Jamaica and Richmond Hill ,
Email info@magnetschools.nyc 

Each magnet school offers a unique program designed to promote diversity, academic excellence, and equity for children 3K through eighth grade. The specialized thematic programs, innovative curriculum, and diversified approaches to teaching offer rigorous instruction that builds content knowledge, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills for all students.

NEW YORK CITY MAGNET SCHOOLS - MS 358: THE MAGNET SCHOOL OF STEAM EXPLORATION AND EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
88-08 164th St., Jamaica, Queens
718-558-6240
Email info@magnetschools.nyc

At The Magnet School of STEAM Exploration and Experiential Learning, everyone learns with purpose. Classroom instruction incorporates passionate speaking, purposeful writing, powerful presentations, and digital literacy. Through project based and experiential learning students take intellectual risks, make real world connections, and explore authentic problems in their community and society.

NEW YORK CITY MAGNET SCHOOLS
Locations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Queens,
Email info@magnetschools.nyc

Magnet schools are nationally recognized for innovative learning. A magnet education offers unique programs designed to promote academic and social emotional skills that set the foundation for learning. The diversified approaches to teaching at magnet schools promote creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking for all students.

OUR WORLD NEIGHBORHOOD CHARTER SCHOOL 2
135-25 79th St., Howard Beach
718-392-3405, Lucille Ranchor
Email admissions@owncs.org

Our World Neighborhood Charter Schools (OWNCS) joined the Queens school community in 2002. Through a literacy-based, integrated, and standards-driven curriculum that encourages community and honors diversity, students receive the broad education they need to meet the academic and social challenges of the best NYC High Schools and thrive in today's world.

PS 140Q: THE EDWARD K. ELLINGTON MAGNET SCHOOL OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND THE ARTS - A STEAM MAGNET SCHOOL
166-01 116th Ave., Jamaica
718-657-4760 
Email mainoffice@ps140.org 

The Edward K. Ellington Magnet School of Science, Technology, and the Arts - our motto, Where Greatness Occurs, One Step At A Time. Project-based STEAM curriculum, advanced technology, arts, music, enrichment clubs, and middle-school prep. We strive to develop productive, self-thinking, problem-solving citizens, capable of thriving in an ever-evolving world.

PS 349: THE MAGNET SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION THROUGH STEAM
88-08 164th St., Jamaica
718-558-6220 
Email nyckreda2@schools.nyc.gov 

PS 349 offers a rigorous STEAM curriculum designed to inspire imagination through engineering and design, spark curiosity, and engage exploration. Leadership studies integrate The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People into all classes allowing for collaboration and communication. Students practice leadership through self-management, self-awareness, and responsible decision-making.

PS 55: THE MAURE MAGNET SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION ARTS, TECHNOLOGY AND MULTIMEDIA
131-10 97th Ave., Richmond Hill
718-849-3845
Email info@ps55q.com 

At PS 55 every student has a voice. Theme-based instruction, project-based units, arts and technology integration. Students develop higher order thinking skills, share ideas, connect with each other, engage and explore. Learning is expanded by writing code, creating audio and video presentations, performing music, graphic design, and using 3D printers.

QUEENS COMMUNITY HOUSE- QUEENS CHILDCARE NETWORK
108-25 62nd Drive , Forest Hills, Queens
347-897-4949
Email childcare@qchnyc.org

Queens Childcare Network (QCCN) is comprised of more than 40 licensed in-home daycares. QCCN provides our daycares with dedicated educational coaching-health, nutrition, and safety monitoring. We also help families of infants and toddlers apply for affordable childcare through NYC DOE EarlyLearn or 3K. To learn more, email childcare@qchnyc.org or call 347-897-4949.   

VOICE CHARTER SCHOOL 
718-361-1694
36-24 12th St., Upper Campus (third-eighth grades)
37-15 13th St., Lower Campus (kindergarten-second)

Email admissions@voicecharterschool.org

VOICE Charter School is a public elementary and middle school located in Long Island City, currently serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. We combine rigorous academics with daily instruction in choral singing, encouraging creative and critical thinking while improving academic performance.

And you can always browse more of our education resources in Queens, including private schools, preschools, Catholic schools, and special education schools.