Academy for New Americans

The Academy for New Americans (I.S. 235) is a small middle school in Queens, uniquely dedicated to serving newly arrived immigrant students in grades 6-8, often for a transitional period of about one year. The school is known for its nurturing and inclusive environment, providing comprehensive language support through programs like English as a New Language (ENL) and Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) to facilitate rapid academic and cultural integration. Parents and former students consistently praise the supportive staff and the school's commitment to helping new immigrants adapt to their new environment. The school fosters a strong sense of community, reflected in its excellent safety and school climate ratings, and overwhelmingly positive relationships with families. Student attendance is notably high, well above the citywide median. Academically, while ELA proficiency is a concern, math proficiency is around the citywide 25th percentile. A significant strength is the very high percentage of students engaged in accelerated coursework, well above the citywide 75th percentile, indicating a strong push for academic advancement. The curriculum is enriched with STEAM, Robotics, Hydroponics, Financial Literacy, and World Language classes that can earn high school credit, alongside robust arts partnerships. The faculty is experienced, with a high percentage of teachers having three or more years of experience.