Our History

In 1956 a select group of visionary leaders in the Conservative Synagogue Movement of Central Queens, recognizing the need for a local day school informed by the progressive philosophy of Conservative Judaism, established our Solomon Schechter School (SSSQ). 

That year twenty-one students began to attend classes in space provided by the Rego Park Jewish Center. Soon additional space was needed, and the Hillcrest Jewish Center offered its’ old building. Now located in two buildings in separate parts of Queens, SSSQ continued to establish its reputation for excellence in Judaic and general education, and in 1959, was awarded an absolute charter by the NYS Board of Regents. 

The need to consolidate was met in the fall of 1965 when our beautiful building on Parsons Boulevard was dedicated. SSSQ has continued to flourish here through the years, drawing students from every community in central Queens and today boasting an enrollment almost 400 strong. 

Our success has helped inspire the creation of forty nine other Conservative Jewish Day Schools across the United States and Canada that are now part of the Schechter Day School Network, a program of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. This expansion of the Solomon Schechter Day School education and experience constitutes one of the most significant developments in the perpetuation of Judaism in North America. 

We salute the pioneers who had the vision to start our School, and all of the generous benefactors who continue to turn the Schechter dream into an enduring reality.