Charter Schools
ADVERTISING
We are a tuition-free, public charter school serving grades 5-8 in Central Queens. Our school was founded by veteran educators who have worked in both district and public charter schools. Our mission drives our culture, curriculum, and instruction, and every decision we make as a school is in service of preparing our scholars to graduate from college.
The Present
Today, 440 bright, capable, and curious scholars walk through our doors every morning ready to learn and grow through an academically rigorous middle school experience.
Did you know that only 23% of students graduate from high school college-ready in East Elmhurst and Corona? (Coalition for Educational Justice). That is why we’ve made a promise to our families: We will teach your child to be excellent readers and writers.
Valence scholars grew 70% more than their peers nationwide in reading and 85% more in math in the 2021 - 2022 school year!
Our scholars are challenged academically through a range of enriching activities such as STEM, Capoeira, and the arts! Small group instruction is provided to every student and support is provided for English language learners and scholars with IEPs.
What our 8th graders have to say about Valence
What does it mean to be a founder here at Valence?
“We’re the first class, so we’re helping set up the school for upcoming middle schoolers. We are helping set an example for the future.” — Stacey “It’s important and special because we were the first to experience this school. We didn’t think it’d change our lives in this way.” — Benjamin “We can leave our mark as the first class to graduate and it’s a special feeling not many kids get.” — Roberto “It feels good because you have that ability in life to know that you were in a successful school.” — Alondra
How has Valence prepared you for high school?
“Providing us with high school prep. We can see what kind of schools there are in Queens and if it’s a good fit for us. They also talk about how important our grades are.” — Akeelah
Who impacted you most here at Valence?
“Ms. Kone [Dean of Students & Inclusive Learning] because she really helped me grow and learn the English language, She really cared about me. Back in 5th grade, she always supported me in what I had to do and believed in me. Now in 8th grade, I looked at how much I grew thanks to her. Almost everything I did is thanks to Ms. Kone because she never gave up on me.”
positively
— Stephanie
What advice you would give to a future Valence scholar?
“As hard as school and life might be, don’t give up on yourself - you can learn from your mistakes and keep growing… you can talk to people at Valence and they’ll help you. They can make you feel safe and help you be yourself.” - Akeelah
“Take advantage of the opportunities you have at Valence - VCP gives us a lot of opportunities - they helped me from 5th 8th grade. Other schools don’t provide the same opportunities.”
— Stacey
The Future
This is why our work is important. Our school exists to put Akeelah, Alondra, Benjamin, Roberto, Stacey, and Stephanie on track to graduate from college and lead lives of opportunity. Our school exists to put all scholars on track.
This June, we will officially send off our founding class to high school, to graduate college, and on to lead lives of opportunity. They will be equipped with the academic skills, professional habits, and strength of character to do so. Our team will work with scholars and families throughout high school on alumni relations and ensure the fulfillment of our mission. Once a Valence scholar, always a Valence scholar.
To learn more about Valence, please visit www.valencecollegeprep.org, follow @valencecollegeprep on social media , or call Ms. Vargas, our Family & Outreach Manager, directly at (929) 571-7115.