The Next Steps in High School Admissions

The Next Steps Report Cover

Fordham Law School’s Feerick Center for Social Justice has released a report, The Next Step: Prioritizing Equity and Recovery in NYC High School Admissions, urging NYC to implement reforms to middle and high school admissions that focus on improving equity and access to opportunities for all students. According to the UCLA Civil Rights Project, New York's school system is the most segregated in the country. Recognizing that we are still in the midst of a pandemic that continues to burden NYC students and their families, the authors stress the importance of trying to work toward closing the gaps intensified by the pandemic.

The report calls for three substantial reforms: 

1. A permanent end to middle school screens. 

2. A requirement that high schools “opt-in” to screening along with mandatory equitable admissions priorities. 

3. Significantly enhanced supports for students and families—with dedicated funding—for the admissions process. 

The NYC Department of Education (NYCDOE) has yet to announce high school admissions policies for the 2022-2023 school year. The report calls on the Mayor and NYCDOE to dedicate time and resources to overhaul the City’s high school admissions system by 2022-2023.

2021 New York Catholic School Back-to-School Guide

New York Catholic schools are all privately managed by the Archdiocese of New York (ADNY), the Diocese of Brooklyn or the Diocese of Rockville Centre. The Diocese of Brooklyn oversees Catholic schools in Brooklyn and Queens, The Diocese of Rockville Center oversees Long Island schools, and the New York Archdiocese oversees Catholic schools in the rest of New York and surrounding regions.  

Read the ADNY schools reopening plans for this fall and the Brooklyn Diocese COVID-19 safety protocols.    

Registration for the 2021 Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools (TACHS) for 2022 is now open. Students in the eighth grade during the 2021-2022 school year who wish to apply for fall 2022 admission into Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of New York, Brooklyn/Queens and Rockville Centre are eligible. This year, the TACHS exam will be administered as an online, remote, at-home test.

New York Public Schools 2021 Back to School Guide

Let's talk back-to-school! The following is a summary of important updates pertaining to NYC public schools for the upcoming school year. For all official information related to NYC public schools please consult the Department of Education’s website

This past May, at the end of the 2020-2021 school year, Mayor DeBlasio and Chancellor Porter announced that, after a school year where more than 60% of NYC students learned remotely, schools would return to in-person learning for all students in September with no remote option.

The Mayor’s announcement was short on details of how the transition back to full-time, in-person learning will happen but he soon announced a new program, Summer Rising, for all kids (K-12) who want to participate. Summer Rising aims to help remediate some of the learning loss that happened throughout the school year and to prepare students for their return to in-school learning in the fall.

3-K results for children born in 2018 were released in June. All offers, including waitlists offers, need to be accepted by July 30th. Learn about 3-K admissions and sign up for a summer information session here.

Families with children born in 2016, 2017, and 2018 who need a 3-K, Pre-K or kindergarten program are invited to join virtual information sessions happening throughout the summer to learn about applicable programs.

Read Chancellor Porter’s letter to families about the academic recovery plan NYC public schools.

Despite changes to CDC mask guidelines, NYC is sticking to a universal mask mandate in all schools.

When schools reopen in September, NYC public school teachers will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or be tested weekly.

The deadline to register for the summer SHSAT and LaGuardia High School audition is August 6th. This year’s test is open to both newcomers to the the city and to rising 9th and 10th-graders who were unable to take the exam and/or audition during the school year because of COVID-19. See Inside School’s SHSAT guide for full details.

Hunter College High School will send admission decisions for this year's entering 7th grade class starting Friday, July 30th and throughout the following week.

NYC mandates COVID vaccines for "high risk" sports. Vaccinations will be required for high school athletes and their coaches in football, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, wrestling, competitive cheerleading, and rugby. Vaccination will also be required for bowling, since it takes place indoors.

NYC will require the COVID-19 vaccine for all DOE employees with no testing option.

School officials announced a COVID safety plan for NYC Schools detailing protocols for testing, quarantining, masking, and vaccines.

Applications for admission to Hunter College Elementary School for kindergarten in September 2022 are available as of Tuesday, September 14, 2021. Kindergarten is the only entry point to Hunter Elementary School and, this year, applications are available to families in all 5 boroughs for the first time. Application deadline is November 2nd.

New York City will eliminate it's Gifted and Talented test in kindergarten and phase out the program starting this fall.

2021 Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is open. NYC 8th and 9th graders who wish to attend a Specialized High School must register to take the SHSAT, for entry to 9th and 10th grade in the 2022-2023 school year by Monday, November 15, 2021. The test will be administered in December 2021

The DOE will host online virtual high school and specialized high school admission information sessions this fall. A recording of the session is available, in case you are not able to attend.

NYC Public And Private Schools In “Hotspot” Zip Codes Will Stop all In-Person Learning on Tuesday, Oct. 6

© Can Stock Photo / Yakobchuk

NY Governor, Andrew Cuomo, announced today that school in zip codes with recent spikes of COVID-19 infections will transition from in-person or hybrid learning to 100% remote learning on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, for an undetermined amount of time.

The affected neighborhoods and zip codes are Borough Park (11219), Gravesend (11223), Midwood (11230), Bensonhurst (11204), Flatlands (11210), Gerritsen Beach/Homecrest/Sheepshead Bay (11229) in Brooklyn; and Far Rockaway (11691), Kew Gardens (11415), Kew Gardens Hills (11367) in Queens.

NYC Mayor DeBlasio's school reopening plan calls for at least a two-week shutdown with schools reopening after a community has less than a 3% positivity rate for 7 straight days, but Governor Cuomo stated that the criteria for reopening these school have not been determined yet.

Our 2020 Independent School Fair is Virtual

Let’s Talk Schools is celebrating ten years of presenting a NYC independent private school fair and panel discussion on the admissions process – a unique opportunity to meet admission decision-makers from top New York schools.

Every one of us is experiencing the stress of the coronavirus pandemic and, with schools set to reopen across the USA, we are about to enter a new phase of uncertainty of how this will affect the spread of the virus. For families considering independent schools that set their own missions and curriculum, kindergarten is the largest entry point and one of only two times that kids can enter the Hunter School, the other being 7th grade.

Applying to independent schools is complicated by lots of choices and a multi-step process completed a year in advance of when your child will attend. This year, the process of applying for the 2021/2022 school year will be all virtual.

We’re here to help!

Our program is going virtual too and it’s free of charge for families to attend.

Join us to learn about:

  • Kindergarten, middle and high school applications for 2021/2022 and possible openings for September 2020;
  • What to look for on virtual tours and what to expect;
  • Accessing financial aid;
  • How admission decisions are made – some schools have created their own individual process while others are using a new online standardized test for kindergarten;
  • A workshop on admission tests! - Join this dynamic workshop to learn about the admission tests used for middle and high schools (SHSAT, SSAT, ISEE). Test prep expert, Akil Bello, will discuss what’s on the test and how to maximize your performance.

And as always, we’re offering “words of wisdom” from the decision makers. Our panel of admission professionals will discuss navigating the process, including when to start, what to look for and what to expect.

This is a virtual event but capacity is limited so please register early. Individual school fair presentations are August 24-25 from 10am-6pm each day.  The admission panel is August 24, 6:30pm and testing workshop is Tuesday, August 25 @ 6:00pm. Please register in advance for the sessions you’d like to attend and your unique access codes will be sent prior to the event.

2020 Camp Fairs

© Can Stock Photo Inc. / Serrnovik

***3/12/2020 Update*** Due to concerns of the Covid-19 pandemic in New York City, we have canceled the Upper West Side Fair on March 15. Register now for our Harlem Fair to be held April 26, 2020.
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This year marks the 6th anniversary of our Summer Opportunities, Activities & Resources (SOAR) fairs, featuring summer camps and programs for families with kids in pre-k through 12th grade.

Sure, you can look for summer programs online. Still, nothing beats a face-to-face conversation directly with camp directors who want nothing more than to answer your questions and provide information. SOAR fairs bring together multiple programs and parents all under one roof in a fun, easily accessible environment. We’re your one-stop-shop for summer fun.

Register now to attend our 2020 Upper West Side Fair or 2020 Harlem fair. If you're a vendor interested in participating, 2020 Camp registration

Participating camps:
92Y Camps
ACT at the Cathedral of St. John Divine
Bank Street Summer Camp
Berkshire Hills Eisenberg Camp / Berkshire Hills Culinary Camp
Brooklyn Game Lab
Camp Max - Family Camp
Columbia University Little Lions Camp
Deer Mountain Day Camp
Harlem YMCA
JCC Camp Settoga
Kids in the Game Summer Camp
Ma-He-Tu
Maker State Summer STEM
Play On! Studios
Pocono Springs Camp
Riverside Park Conservancy Multi Sport Camp
Robofun
Summer Rock Camp at New York City Guitar School
Super Soccer Stars
TADA! Youth Theater
The Nature Place Day Camp
Writopia Lab

9th Annual Independent School Fair and Admissions Panel Discussion

A unique opportunity to meet directors from top New York schools. Reserve your spot now!

Summer is drawing to a close so it's time to think about school admissions for the 2020 school year. In New York City, school choice programs provide alternatives to parents who want to opt out of sending their children to the local  schools to which they are assigned. The day after Labor day is the traditional start to admission season, that time of year when parents exercise their school choice rights in a chaotic ritual of applications, school tours, open houses and interviews.

For families considering independent schools (those that independently set their own missions and curriculum), kindergarten is the largest entry point and one of only two times that kids can enter Hunter College Elementary School, the other being 7th grade.  If you have a four year old (born in 2015), this fall is the time to apply for kindergarten. For those entering 6th grade in the fall, this is the ONLY year you'll be eligible to take the test for entrance to Hunter High School.

The independent school application process is complicated. Before getting started with an application to any individual school there are many factors to consider - school type (co-ed, single sex), location, size, educational philosophy, community, faculty, facilities - to name a few. There is also the multi-step application process which involves tours, financial forms (if requesting tuition assistance), testing and meetings for both parents and children.

Summer is a great time to review and research school websites to determine what may be a good fit for your family. The Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY) is a terrific resource for learning about independent schools and their application process. On Monday, August 19, 2019 from 6-8:30 pm we'll be hosting our 9th Annual Independent School Fair and Admissions Panel. This is a unique opportunity to meet admission decision makers from Hunter and many private schools and to receive tools to help you conquer the application process.

Participating Schools:
Archdiocese of NY Catholic Schools Representing St. Ann School, St. Paul School, Corpus Christi School, Our Lady of Lourdes School, Ascension School
Blue School
Collegiate School
Garden School
Horace Mann School
Hunter College Campus Schools
International Academy of New York
Pine Street School
Riverdale Country School
Saint David's School
Speyer School
St. Bernard's School
St. Hilda's & St. Hugh's
The Allen-Stevenson School
The Brearley School
The Buckley School
The Calhoun School
The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine
The Chapin School
The Elisabeth Morrow School
The Nightingale-Bamford School
The Town School

Demystifying the SHSAT

The Specialized High School Admission Test (SHSAT) has been all over the news of late. What is this magical, mystical SHSAT test that evokes such strong emotions? Bring your questions and queries to PASSNYC's community information event on Monday, September 24 from 6-8 pm where there will be experts who can share information about the SHSAT and Columbia Secondary School testing for parents.

There will also be information on FREE Online Test Prep Services for students. Best of all, light refreshments will be served!

Please register and let us know if you'll be coming. This is an invaluable event that shouldn't be missed.

NYC Public High School Admissions

Can the process be any more complicated than it already is? I don't think so.

At this point in the process, depending on whether you will be entering 7th or 8th grade in the fall, we recommended:

7th Grade

  • During the summer before school starts, it's a good idea to attend the summer high school admission family workshops and start to familiarize yourself with your options. The DOE School Finder and High School Directory are both online.
  • If you're considering attending a Specialized High School, put together a plan and start studying for the Specialized High School Admission Test (SHSAT)
  • Be sure to get to school every day and don't be late! Attendance is an important part of individual school admission rubrics.
  • Practice and collect your best work from 7th grade. You'll need it to put together an art portfolio or prepare for an audition to a high school arts program.

Summer Before 8th Grade

  • Attend the summer high school admission family workshops and start to create a list of school that you think might be a good fit. The DOE School Finder and High School Directory are both online.
  • Be sure to study for the SHSAT, rehearse for your auditions and work on your art portfolio.
  • Check school websites, our events calendar or contact schools directly for school open house and tour dates. Set up a calendar to keep track of tour dates and application deadlines. You don't want to miss anything.

8th Grade

  • Attend the high school fairs in September and October. Check the DOE website or our events calendar for dates.
  • Find audition dates for specific audition programs and register. Check the school websites or contact the school directly for up-to-date information.
  • For screened programs, find out admission requirements and instructions in the High School Directory.
  • Attend open houses and tours.
  • Register for the SHSAT and/or LaGuardia High School auditions through your school counselor or at a Family Welcome Center by October 11, 2018
  • Get your SHSAT ticket and/or LaGuardia High School audition ticket
  • Take the SHSAT and/or audition for LaGuardia High School as scheduled
  • For audition programs, go to auditions and/or interviews
  • For screened programs, complete assessments and/or submit portfolios.
  • Submit your Round 1 application online, through your counselor, or at a Family Welcome Center by December 3, 2018.

Check our site for continued updates as we advance through the admission process.

 

The 2019 Admissions Season Begins

A unique opportunity to meet directors from top New York schools. Reserve your spot now!

Summer is drawing to a close so it's time to think about school admissions for the 2019 school year. In New York City, school choice programs provide alternatives to parents who want to opt out of sending their children to the local  schools to which they are assigned. The day after Labor day is the traditional start to admission season, that time of year when parents exercise their school choice rights in a chaotic ritual of applications, school tours, open houses and interviews.

For families considering independent schools (those that independently set their own missions and curriculum), kindergarten is the largest entry point and one of only two times that kids can enter Hunter College Elementary School, the other being 7th grade.  If you have a four year old (born in 2014), this fall is the time to apply for kindergarten. For those entering 6th grade in the fall, this is the ONLY year you'll be eligible to take the test for entrance to Hunter High School.

The independent school application process is complicated. Before getting started with an application to any individual school there are many factors to consider - school type (co-ed, single sex), location, size, educational philosophy, community, faculty, facilities - to name a few. There is also the multi-step application process which involves tours, financial forms (if requesting tuition assistance), testing and meetings for both parents and children.

Summer is a great time to review and research school websites to determine what may be a good fit for your family. The Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY) is a terrific resource for learning about independent schools and their application process. On Tuesday, August 21, 2018 from 6-8:30 pm we'll be hosting our 8th Annual Independent School Admissions Panel and School Fair. This is a unique opportunity to meet admission decision makers from Hunter and many private schools and to receive tools to help you conquer the application process.

Participating Schools:
Bank Street School for Children
Collegiate School
Harlem Academy
Hunter College Campus Schools
International Academy of New York
Riverdale Country School
Convent of the Sacred Heart
Speyer School
St. Bernard's School
St. Hilda's & St. Hugh's
The Allen-Stevenson School
The Brearley School
The Buckley School
The Calhoun School
The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine
The Dalton School
The Hewitt School
The Nightingale-Bamford School
The Town School
The Workshop School