YORK EARLY COLLEGE ACADEMY

York Early College Academy (YECA), located in Jamaica, Queens, is a specialized secondary school operated in partnership with the City University of New York (CUNY) York College. Serving students in grades 6 through 12, the school is designed to bridge the gap between middle school, high school, and higher education. Its core mission is to foster a rigorous academic environment where students can earn both a high school diploma and significant college credits—potentially up to two years’ worth—free of charge before they graduate.

The school emphasizes a college-preparatory culture, utilizing the "Early College" model to support students in developing the maturity and academic discipline required for university-level work. By integrating York College resources and faculty into the high school experience, YECA aims to increase college readiness and graduation rates among students who might be the first in their families to pursue higher education. With a focus on critical thinking and academic inquiry, the academy serves as a unique pipeline that prepares its diverse student body for long-term success in both their undergraduate studies and future professional careers.