I.S. 237

I.S. 237, also known as Rachel Carson Intermediate School, is a large middle school in Flushing, Queens, serving a highly diverse student body. It is recognized for its strong academic programs and its identity as a Magnet School for the Arts, offering instruction in visual arts, band, strings, and chorus. Academically, the school performs well, with math proficiency significantly above the citywide median and near the 75th percentile, and ELA proficiency also above the median. The school provides Special Progress (SP) courses, allowing 8th graders to take Regents exams and preparing many students for specialized high schools. Beyond academics, I.S. 237 boasts award-winning Debate and Math teams and a free after-school program. Parent feedback is largely positive regarding teacher quality and family engagement. However, student surveys indicate concerns about school cleanliness, fair conflict resolution, and feelings of safety in hallways and bathrooms. Some online reviews also highlight issues with bullying and inconsistent communication. The school occupies a building shared with the East-West School of International Studies, which has historically raised concerns about overcrowding.