Queens Technical High School is a public career and technical education (CTE) school located in Long Island City, serving students in grades 9-12. Learn more below on queens1.one.
What Is a High School in the United States?
High school generally includes grades 9-12 and is the final stage of secondary education. Curricula cover general education courses and specialized subjects. There are many types of high schools with various focuses, including specialized, agricultural, business or commercial, vocational, and pre-professional schools, like Queens Technical High School. Most American high schools are public and tuition-free, though some private institutions charge for attendance.
Established in 1920
In Queens’ industrial Long Island City neighborhood, Queens Continuation School opened in 1920 to provide students with ongoing education, eventually incorporating vocational and technical programs. As the school grew, it required larger facilities, prompting a significant reconstruction.
The current building opened on September 9, 1929, when the school was renamed “Queens Vocational School.” In 1935, full vocational courses were added. Male students learned auto repair, machine work, printing, and the basics of radio and electrical engineering, along with sheet metal work. Female students took courses in clothing design and cosmetology, while commerce courses were available to both.
In November 1936, the school adopted the name “Queens Vocational High School” and began hosting inter-school athletic and student activities. Programs were adjusted according to market demands. In the 1980s, programs in machine shop and practical nursing were discontinued. The automation program became “computer technology,” and radio mechanics evolved into “pre-engineering.”
In the late 1980s, the school added “technical” to its name, reflecting its status as a CTE institution, and introduced new fields like cloud networking and graphic design. In 2005, a new wing was added, replacing the schoolyard and housing a cafeteria, library, gym, and extra classrooms. In 2018, the Department of Education approved the name “Queens Technical High School.”
Academic Programs
Queens Technical High School prepares students for college and immediate careers in technical fields. Many teachers are alumni themselves. Available programs include:
- Electrical Engineering Design and Installation
- Plumbing Design and Technology
- Electronic Technology Pre-Engineering
- Computer Technology and Information Systems
- Cisco Networking (design, development, and sales of networking equipment, software, telecommunications devices, and other high-tech services and products)
- Cosmetology and Salon Management
- Barbering
- Graphic Design
The school year is divided into two semesters, fall and spring, each with two grading periods. Teachers calculate a semester average to determine the final course grade. All classrooms provide tools needed for higher-level thinking skills, and students can borrow a laptop or tablet from the school for the duration of their studies.
Mission and Values
Queens Technical High School is committed to fostering a safe, productive learning environment that promotes respectful collaboration among staff, students, families, and the community. Education is hands-on, providing students with skills and knowledge they can apply in real-world scenarios.
This supportive environment equips students to achieve success in their chosen fields. The school culture instills a sense of personal and community responsibility, pride in accomplishments, and an understanding of education’s value in today’s world.
Fall and spring parent-teacher conferences offer opportunities for students and parents to work with teachers to improve academic performance. Parents and guardians can schedule additional meetings through the student’s advisor.
The official colors of Queens Technical High School are green, white, and orange, and its mascot is the tiger. The school’s dress code guidelines are as follows:
- Tight or overly loose, revealing, or transparent clothing is not permitted. This includes tank tops, backless tops, exposed undergarments, and low-cut shirts.
- Undergarments must remain concealed under clothing.
- Clothing displaying messages, images, or slogans related to alcohol, drugs, violence, tobacco, or sexual content, or containing disrespectful language, is prohibited.
- Head coverings such as hats, caps, bandanas, and scarves are not allowed, except for religious or medical reasons.