The New York City Department of Education

 JOEL I. KLEIN, Chancellor

 Region 3 Learning Support Center

 30-48 Linden Place  ▪ Flushing, NY 11354

 Judith Chin, Regional Superintendent

 QSI THE QUEENS SCHOOL OF INQUIRY
 158-40 76^th Road Flushing, NY 11366
 www.qc.cuny.edu/QSI

January 25, 2006

Dear Parents and 5^th Grade Students,

     The Queens School of Inquiry is an Early College School, supported by the NYC Department of Education, Region 3, the Early College Initiative of CUNY, Queens College, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  We began our first 6^th grade in September of 2005 with 81 students. This year, we will accept an additional 81 6^th grade students for September, 2006.  Ultimately, we will include grades 6 through 12.  Our work with students will be to prepare them to begin taking college courses from Queens College - as many as 60 credits and tuition-free - while students are still in high school.  We see all of our students as eventual college graduates. 

     Students of ALL ability levels are welcome to apply.  We hope to be a neighborhood school for Queens College and that our student body reflects the local community. 

 Some of the features of QSI:

• A small, safe, encouraging environment
• A rigorous academic program featuring Inquiry learning – the “new basics” of the 21^st century: thinking and problem solving
• Individual student plans, helping students grow academically, socially and physically
• Active collaboration with Queens College professors and use of the Queens College campus facilities
• Caring and highly professional teaching staff
• Strong family partnerships
• Everyday use of technology as part of learning

   To accomplish our goals, QSI requires a MANDATORY extended school day until 4 PM and, beginning in the summer of 2006, a Summer Academy.  We need the extra time to prepare our students to take the Algebra Regents at the end of 8^th grade and to take their first college course in the 9^th grade.  Although our expectations are high, students will be supported by the QSI staff, with the help of Queens College and the students’ own families.

Initial applications are limited to 5^th grade students in the JHS 168 feeder zone with any remaining places given to students from District 25. Metro cards will be issued for student use on public transportation and limited yellow school bus service is offered.  If more than 81 students apply, students will be selected based on our desire to reflect the Parsons student population. Students not selected will be placed on a waiting list. 

 The application deadline is February 10, 2006.  If you wish to apply, please fill out the top section of the application and return it to your child’s school.  Notification of selection will be made in March.  Applications are available at your child’s elementary school and also on our website:    www.qc.cuny.edu/QSI.

If you have any questions about the Queens School of Inquiry, visit our website or call Ms. Elizabeth Ophals at 718 380-6929 or email at EOphals@nycboe.net

 Join us, too, at our

QSI FAMILY INFORMATION AFTERNOON

SUNDAY,February 5   2 – 4 PM

Queens School of Inquiry

158-40 76^th Road

Flushing, New York 11366

We look forward to meeting you and joining together to send your child to college.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Ophals, Principal

Application for Students from Districts OTHER than District 25 in pdf

For District 25 Student: Available at all District 25 Elementary Schools