Maria Schlanger’s son is in eighth grade at Math and Science Exploratory School in Brooklyn. Now, the family is trying to decide where he should attend high school next year.
“It’s overwhelming how many choices there are—it’s great in some respects, but there is pressure to see a lot of schools. My son is a musician and has a lot of auditions,” Schlanger said.
So Schlanger and her son recently attended the Citywide High School fair to learn more about their options and narrow their choices. More than 34,000 families attended the event at Brooklyn Tech High School this year, and another 26,000 visited fairs in the five boroughs—a 40% increase over last year.
“There were more people there to answer my questions than I expected and I got all of my questions answered,” Schlanger said.
“We had record numbers of students and families attending the middle and high school fairs this year,” said Elizabeth Sciabarra, Chief Executive Officer of Student Enrollment. “Now families should attend open houses and school tours where they will meet school representatives and be able to ask specific questions about the instructional programs, student life, parent involvement, academic and guidance support services and the overall school community.”
The Department of Education has created many new high school options over the past seven years, and has worked hard to make the admissions process easier to navigate. Here is more information to help you make an informed decision:
Fall Workshops
There is still time to attend a fall workshop to learn more about high school admissions and how to complete the high school application – visit the DOE Web site for a complete schedule of workshops and to access the online high school directory.
High School Applications
Guidance counselors distributed high school applications to students earlier this month. If your child did not receive an application, please speak with your guidance counselor as soon as possible. The deadline to submit completed applications to counselors is December 4.
Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) The deadline to register for the SHSAT
was October 21. Admission tickets for the test will be issued by guidance counselors at the end of October.
For more information about the high school admissions process, visit the DOE Web site or call (212) 374-2363.
Middle school and Gifted and Talented admissions processes are also underway. Here is more information:
Middle School Admissions
Open Houses and Tours
Attend open house events and take tours at the middle schools that interest you most. It’s important to visit schools and determine travel time. Make sure you feel comfortable with the commute your child will be taking every day.
Middle School Applications
Guidance counselors will distribute middle school applications to students in mid-November. The deadline to submit completed applications to counselors is December 15.
For more information about fall events and the middle school admissions process, visit the middle school admissions page, the calendar page or call (212) 374-4944.
Gifted + Talented Admissions – Elementary School
G+T Testing
If you’re interested in having your child tested for an elementary school G+T program, you must complete a “Request for Testing” form. The forms are available at elementary schools, Borough Enrollment Offices and on the DOE website. You can complete and submit the form online or you can submit a paper copy to your child’s school (or local Borough Enrollment Office if your child attends private school). The deadline to submit a Request for Testing form is Friday, November 6.
G+T Handbooks
Gifted & Talented handbooks with practice tests and program guidelines are available at elementary schools, Borough Enrollment Offices and on the DOE Web site.
For more information about the G+T admissions process for elementary school grades, visit the DOE website or call (212) 374-4948.