Queens High School of Teaching, Liberal Arts, & The Sciences

Did the architects of Queens High School of Teaching, Liberal Arts, & The Sciences ever imagine their creation would become a vibrant hub of learning? Right here, on the Frank A. Padavan Campus, stands a testament to education’s transformative power. Queens High School of Teaching, Liberal Arts, & The Sciences opened its doors in 2003. The campus, initially called the Glen Oaks Campus, spans an impressive 32 acres. It’s a shared space, housing two other schools, P.S./I.S. 266 and P.S./I.S. 208. This makes it a unique educational hub in New York City. Queens High School of Teaching, Liberal Arts, & The Sciences was initially designed as a year-round school. However, this plan was scrapped. Now, it follows a traditional academic calendar. The school’s motto, “Different By Design,” reflects its unique approach to education. It was founded by Nigel Pugh and focuses on grades 9-12. In 2016, the school celebrated the opening of its athletic field. Queens High School of Teaching, Liberal Arts, & The Sciences is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a place where young minds are nurtured. It’s a place where future teachers, artists, and thinkers find their voice. Two notable alumni, singer Ella Mai and model Indira Scott, exemplify the school’s diverse talent. The school’s history is intertwined with the community. It occupies the site of a former extension of Creedmoor Psychiatric Center. The campus bears the name of Frank A. Padavan, a state senator. The renaming occurred in 2008. Queens High School of Teaching, Liberal Arts, & The Sciences has always sought innovative approaches. Its “small learning communities” (SLCs) aimed to create a more intimate learning environment. These SLCs, named Emerson, Freire, and Montessori, each had dedicated teachers. Students primarily took classes within their community. Some classes, like art and music, brought students from different communities together. This structure has since evolved into a more traditional model. But the spirit of innovation remains.