High School Admissions - FAQ

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Rizky

High School Admissions Frequently Asked Questions explains eligibility and participation for NYC public high school applicants, including when 8th graders and first-time 9th graders must submit applications. It covers opportunities to visit schools before December deadlines, how to obtain a High School Directory, and key rules such as no sibling priority. The FAQ also clarifies accommodations for students with disabilities and support models for English Language Learners, plus how different admissions methods evaluate applicants.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

Overview

Types of High Schools

NYC HS Admissions Eligibility

Who can participate

Do 8th graders need to apply

Can students visit before applying

Where to get the High School Directory

Sibling priority

Students with disabilities

English Language Learners (ELL)

High school evaluation methods

Moving to New York / residency requirement

Private or parochial school applicants

Transfer high schools

Frequently Asked Questions: High School Admissions The following FAQs accompany the detailed information about High School Admissions included in the Introduction of the High School Directory. Overview Types of High Schools Specialized High Schools Overview 1. Who can participate in the NYC HS Admissions? New York City residents who are 8th graders interested in attending a public high school are required to submit an application for high school admissions. First time 9th graders are also eligible to participate in highschool admissions. 9th graders should meet with their guidance counselors in September if they wish to apply to different programs. Students in the 10th grade or above are not eligible to apply to high schools. Information for families new to New York City can be found here. 2. Does my 8th grade students have to apply to a high school? To attend a New York City Public High School, students must submit the high school application. This applies to students wishing to attend their zoned school as well as students in a 6-12 school who wish to remain at that school for the 9th grade. Every public school 8th grader receives a high school application from their guidance counselor in the fall. High school applications are also available to New York City residents attending a private or parochial school, and should be requested from the student’s guidance counselor. 3. Can I visit a high school before applying? There are several opportunities for you to visit and become acquainted with high schools before the application deadline in December. In September and October, there are high school fairs for each borough as well as a city-wide fair. High schools also host their own open houses. This information can be acquired directly from the high schools, often on their websites, and in the High School Directory. 4. Where do I get a High School Directory? If you are a student attending a New York City public school, you will receive a High School Directory at the end of 7th grade. You can also obtain a High School Directory at Admissions events and at Enrollment Offices. It is also available online. 5. Can I go to the school that my older sibling attends? There is no sibling priority in high school admissions. 6. Is the process different for me if I am a student with disabilities? No. Students with disabilities may apply to all programs listed in the High School Directory, subject to the same admissions requirements as their peers. You may take the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) and apply for all audition-based programs, including Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art Frequently Asked Questions: High School Admissions and Performing Arts. Testing accommodations will be provided during the SHSAT administration, as outlined in your IEP or 504 plan. If you are a District 75 student transitioning to high school and are considering a community high school, you should work with your District 75 school to participate in high school admissions. If your IEP currently recommends a specialized District 75 program, you will be notified of your high school placement in May or June by the District 75 Placement Office. 7. Is the process different if I am an English Language Learner (ELL)? All 8th graders have the opportunity to participate in high school admissions regardless of their English proficiency. If you are interested in a program that specializes in addressing the needs of students with limited English proficiency, you may want to look at Screened for Language programs (see question below) . However, English Language Learners (ELLs) can receive a range of programs and supports in New York City High Schools to ensure that you receive the services necessary to excel in high school. The High School Directory indicates which of the ELL program models (Dual Language, English as a Second Language or Transitional Bilingual Education) are currently offered in each high

FAQs

Who can participate in NYC high school admissions?

NYC residents who are 8th graders must apply to attend a public high school. First-time 9th graders are also eligible. Students in 10th grade or above are not eligible to apply.

Does the high school admissions process differ for students with disabilities?

No. Students with disabilities may apply to all programs listed in the High School Directory, following the same admissions requirements as their peers. Testing accommodations for the SHSAT are provided as outlined in an IEP or 504 plan.

How do different schools evaluate students in high school admissions?

Evaluation depends on the admissions method and each program’s priorities. Audition programs may include attendance, grades, and test scores, while screened and screened for language programs use combinations of 7th grade report card grades, standardized test scores, attendance, punctuality, and other criteria. Zoned programs prioritize students who live in the geographic zoned area.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Rizky