Four Years of High school, a Lifetime of Care

Principal's Message to Families

Dear Prospective Northwell School of Health Sciences Families,

As the Founding Principal of the Northwell School of Health Sciences, I am excited to lead our students and community on this transformative journey. With twenty years of experience in educational leadership across New York City, including ten of those years as a Principal, I am committed to creating opportunities for all students. My background in program development and Career and Technical Education (CTE) has allowed me to launch initiatives that empower students for successful careers across various industries.

At NSHS, I envision a vibrant learning environment that combines college preparation with hands-on experiences. I am excited to return to my roots in Queens to inspire the next generation of compassionate leaders, while also bringing to NSHS the best practices I have gathered from my experiences across all boroughs of New York City. As the Founding Principal of Northwell School of Health Sciences, I am excited and honored to share why our school may be the ideal choice for your child’s education.

At NSHS, we serve as a beacon of hope and transformation in healthcare education. Our state-of-the-art institution combines college preparation with career-connected learning, empowering students to thrive in the healthcare field. By embedding our core values of Curiosity, Compassion, Collaboration, and Cause within our culture, we foster an environment of inquiry and innovation, promote empathy in patient care, and emphasize teamwork and communication. This nurturing atmosphere encourages students to engage with the community and advocate for the well-being of others, shaping not only skilled healthcare professionals but also compassionate leaders dedicated to making a positive impact.

We understand the importance of providing a safe and nurturing environment where students can explore, think critically, and develop essential skills. As part of their educational journey, students will have the opportunity to explore and choose a health career pathway from the following four Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways: Pre-Nursing, Medical Assisting, Healthcare Management, and Behavioral & Mental Health.

At NSHS, we believe that four years of high school can lead to a lifetime of care. We are proud to lead the future of healthcare education by offering hands-on learning in cutting-edge science and medical labs. Our innovative pathways provide exclusive opportunities for NSHS students to earn early college credits while preparing for direct hiring at Northwell Health in high-demand careers. We support student success through scholarships, tuition assistance, and mentoring after graduation, empowering them to choose paths that align with their aspirations and foster long-term economic security. Additionally, all graduates will join the Northwell Alumni Network, ensuring access to valuable opportunities and resources.

With over twenty years of experience in various educational roles, I have witnessed firsthand how strong partnerships with families enhance the learning experience. I look forward to building strong relationships with families and collaborating to create a fulfilling and impactful school year for our students. Together, we can inspire our students to engage actively with their community and advocate for the well-being of others. As we prepare to open our doors in fall 2025, I invite you to consider Northwell School of Health Sciences for your child's education, where curiosity sparks compassion and collaboration drives our cause.

Join us in Raising Health!

Erika Hurtado-Valentino

Founding Principal