Mission and Vision Statement
Community School District 24 encompasses a network of 71 schools, catering to students from pre-K to 12th grade, strategically located across the vibrant neighborhoods of Ridgewood, Maspeth, Glendale, Middle Village, Elmhurst, Corona, Woodside, Long Island City, and Sunnyside in the borough of Queens, New York. Our diverse district includes 26 elementary schools, 8 middle/intermediate schools, 6 K-8 schools, 1 secondary school, and 15 high schools, accompanied by 16 stand-alone Pre-K Centers. We proudly serve a population of around 58,603 students hailing from culturally diverse backgrounds, with many new immigrants from Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East finding their home in our community.
At District 24, our vision centers on a personalized approach to meet the unique needs of all our students and families. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of fidelity in our work, united in our dedication to the betterment of our students and driven by the lofty expectations we set for ourselves and one another. Our daily work is infused with joy, as we consistently demonstrate our value within the system. We stand together, unwavering in our mission to empower one another through teamwork, celebrate our differences, foster strong collaboration, and treat each other with respect. This mission fortifies our collective strength.
In light of the recent challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we prioritize providing unwavering support to our students and parents through culturally responsive education. Our goal is to ensure that all stakeholders have a voice, feel empowered through engagement, and thrive in their individual and group learning journeys. Together, we strive to build a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
Demographics
Around 16% of the student population benefits from Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), enabling them to access a comprehensive array of specialized educational services. These services encompass Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS), Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classes, various integrated inclusion class models, self-contained class instruction, and a range of related services, including speech and language therapy, counseling, and adaptive physical education. Additionally, approximately 22.3% of students are classified as English language learners (ELLs), with Spanish being the predominant language among the majority. In the 2015-16 academic year, 4.77% of students in the district were identified as Students with Interrupted Formal Education (SIFE).
Roughly 67% of students are eligible for free and reduced lunch programs, highlighting the prevalence of economic need among the student population. Additionally, around 6.80% of students currently face the challenge of temporary housing (STH). Within the district, 45 out of the 55 schools qualify for Title I status, and all 45 of them are actively implementing Title I School Wide Programs (SWP). Notably, no schools in the district have been designated as Title I Targeted Assistance Schools (TAS).
In the most recent academic year, nearly 95.98% of teachers within District 24 were recognized as highly qualified in their respective core subject areas. Among these educators, approximately 51% held either a Master’s Degree with 30 additional credit hours or a Doctorate, demonstrating their advanced educational qualifications. Furthermore, an impressive 96.71% of teachers in the district received ratings of “effective” or “highly effective” for their teaching performance.
