FAQ
ABOUT VOYAGES SOUTH
Is VOYAGES SOUTH a charter school?
No. VOYAGES SOUTH is a transfer school, not a charter school. Transfer Schools are small, academically rigorous, full-time high schools designed to re-engage students who have dropped out or who have fallen behind in credits.
How are transfer schools different from traditional high schools?
Transfer schools are small alternative high schools that are set up so that every student has more individualized attention and support. Students who have not found success at another school are welcomed members of the VOYAGES SOUTH community. If you attend VOYAGES SOUTH you'll be assigned to an advocate counselor from a community based organization and partner, Queens Community House. He/she will supply you with the supportive services you need in order to focus on credit accumulation, graduation, post-secondary planning and success.
If I'm already struggling in my school now, why would I succeed in VOYAGES SOUTH?
At VOYAGES SOUTH we are dedicated to providing a Viable Option for Young Adults to Grow, Excel and Succeed. We are committed to creating and cultivating a cohesive community of learners that is small, safe, and supportive. Our fundamental goal is to engage and empower all of our students so they develop the habits of mind that will enable them to maximize their unique academic, social, and emotional potentials and live successful and satisfying lives. If you attend VOYAGES SOUTH you'll have smaller classes to guarantee more individualized attention and you'll be with students who are your own age. You'll have an advocate counselor assigned to you from the Queens Community House who will contact you every day to make sure you're on the right path towards success. All of your teachers will meet on a weekly basis to discuss every student's academic progress. Lastly, we have a Learning To Work program in place which sets you up with a paid internship. This internship will allow you to explore your career and give you the skills and preparation for your post-secondary future.
How many semesters are there in one year?
The VOYAGES SOUTH school year is organized into twelve-week trimesters. Consequently, our students have the opportunity to earn a minimum of 18 credits in one school year (6 each trimester) as opposed to the usual 12.
How many credits can I earn in one year?
You'll be given the opportunity to earn a minimum of 16.74 credits in one school year at VOYAGES SOUTH (rather than the usual 12.)
What time does the school day start?
Our school day begins at 8:00am.
What will my daily schedule look like?
Your day will begin at 8:00am and end at 2:50pm. You will attend six 57-minute classes each day.
If I'm going to be late or absent, who do I contact?
You must contact your advocate counselor if you're going to be late or absent.
How many students are at VOYAGES SOUTH?
VOYAGES SOUTH is set up to educate anywhere from 250 - 315 students. This year we will have anywhere from 225-290 students at VOYAGES SOUTH.
What is the cell phone policy at VOYAGES SOUTH?
Students may bring cell phone to school, but they will be collected by the school upon entry to the school building and stored in a designated location until the end of the school day. Students may bring computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems to school, but they may not be turned on or used at school.
ADMISSIONS IN VOYAGES SOUTH
How do I apply to VOYAGES SOUTH?
If you're interested in applying to VOYAGES SOUTH, download, print and complete the form at the bottom of the page (Referral Form Purple.pdf) with a school staff member. To your referral form please attach your current transcript, your most recent report card, your RISA (Department of Education attendance record,) your current immunization documents including your TDAP vaccine and your proof of address. Please fax all forms to Davika Beharry at 718.276.2784.
What are the eligibility requirements for VOYAGES SOUTH?
In order to be eligible to apply to VOYAGES SOUTH you must be at least 16 years old and have attended one year of high school.
What documents do I need to apply to VOYAGES SOUTH?
In order to apply to VOYAGES SOUTH, download, print and complete the form at the bottom of the page with a school staff member. To your referral form please attach your current transcript, your most recent report card, your RISA (Department of Education attendance record,) your current immunization documents including your TDAP vaccine and your proof of address. Please fax all forms to Sylvia Velez at 718.276.2784.
GRADUATION AT VOYAGES SOUTH
How many credits and regents must I earn in order to obtain my diploma?
In order to obtain your Regents diploma you must earn a 44 credits in 9 specific subject areas and pass 5 regents exams.
Do you offer assistance in post-secondary planning after I finish high school?
Yes. At VOYAGES SOUTH we have various programs in place to help you plan and succeed in your post-secondary options whether it's for college, certificate training or a career. Speak to your advocate counselor for more information.
What kind of diploma do I receive when I graduate from VOYAGES SOUTH?
Upon earning your 44 credits and passing 5 regents exams, you will earn a Regents diploma at VOYAGES SOUTH.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AT VOYAGES SOUTH
Can anyone apply for an internship? If so, is it a paid internship?
Yes, all VOYAGES SOUTH students are eligible to participate in paid internships through our Learning to Work Program. Speak to your advocate counselor for more information.
Are there any athletic teams that I can join?
Currently we do not have any athletic programs at VOYAGES SOUTH but we are working to obtain a Boys Basketball and Girls Volleyball team within the near future.
What types of extracurricular activities are available that I can join?
Currently, students have the opportunity to join Fitness, Mind Space, ESL extra support, Video Gaming and the Creative Arts programs after school.