Two Long Island City schools have great chemistry.
At a Thursday, October 18 ceremony, Schools Chancellor Dennis M. Walcott cut the ribbon to open the science-oriented extension connecting Middle College High School and International High School at LaGuardia College in Long Island City.
Joined by Congressmember Carolyn B. Maloney, Assemblymember Catherine Nolan, Middle College High School Principal Linda Siegmund and International High School Principal John Starkey, Walcott welcomed students and faculty to the brand new learning wing.
“The addition offers students state-of-the-art science rooms and labs and an art room that will help them hone their skills and develop their interests,” said Chancellor Walcott. “What they learn here will help them be competitive as they prepare for college and careers.”
The two-story, $27.8 million addition boasts dual science labs with a science prep room, 10 new classrooms and an 820-seat demonstration hall. Outfitted with an exterior courtyard and complete wheelchair accessibility, the extension also has an art room, computer lab and administrative offices.
The extension connects both Middle College High School and International High School at LaGuardia College, marking the first time both schools will share a building while remaining separate schools.
According to Nolan, both schools have a long history of helping at-risk students advance their education, and that the institutions are greatly deserving of such an astounding upgrade.
“Middle College High School and The International High School at LaGuardia Community College represents one of the finest academic opportunities that New York City has to offer to its students,” said Nolan.
In a joint statement, the principals from both schools, Starkey and Siegmund, said they are proud to announce the union between their two institutions, which have had a long standing synergy and common bond since beginning to serve the people of Long Island City.
