"Navigating the process often requires time and savvy to sign up for tours and open houses and figure out what might be the best fit for your child. And not to stress out families even more, but if you're only starting now, you're a bit behind. Tours started in September. Open houses at many schools have already filled up. "Don't wait for a counselor or PTA meeting; or a DOE information session to start your research,""
"Families might have their make-or-break criteria: Do they want their kids to stay local or can they commute more than an hour each way? Is a volleyball team a must-have? Do they want a school with a strong robotics program? But a family's wants or needs aren't the only factor given the level of competition for certain schools, many of which screen students based on GPAs from seventh grade."
"With such a labyrinthine admissions process, many families are hungry for information and often seek help from their school's counselors, other parents, or even through paid consultants. "NYC high school admissions are citywide, but support is hyperlocal and uneven," Zingmond said. "Knowing the rules and deadlines is only half the battle.Figuring out which schools to apply to is the real work.""
High school applications opened, giving families of eighth graders two months to evaluate 700 programs at 400 schools across the five boroughs. Tours began in September and many open houses have already filled. Applications are due Dec. 3, and offers are expected by March 5, 2026. Families must weigh priorities like commute time, extracurriculars, and specialized programs while facing competitive screens that often use seventh-grade GPAs. Research should occur primarily in October and November. Support for navigating admissions is uneven, leading many families to rely on counselors, other parents, or paid consultants.
Read at Chalkbeat
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