For the 2022 – 2023 school year, admission for kindergarten through third grade for the NYC Gifted and Talented Program varies depending on your child’s age and where (or if) they attend school currently.
In April 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced plans to expand the current NYC G&T program to all districts citywide. In addition to expanding the program across the city, the mayor’s plan includes opening the program for 3rd graders.
Expanding the program to incoming 3rd graders will add an additional 1,000 seats to the program. These 32 programs, covering each NYC community school district, will serve children in grades 3 – 5.
In January 2021, the Panel for Education Policy voted 8-7 against renewing their contract for G&T testing in New York City. This decision eliminated using the NNAT and modified OLSAT to qualify children for the NYC G&T program.
How to Apply for Kindergarten Admission
Incoming Kindergarten Children Born in 2017
For children attending DOE/district school, pre-K center, NYC Early Education Center or charter school
1. In April and May 2022, all pre-K children attending one of these schools will be evaluated by their current teacher.
2. Based on these evaluations, the pre-K teacher will nominate children for G&T admission.
3. Eligibility letters will be sent to all families of nominated children, inviting them to apply when the application period opens.
4. Families of eligible children can apply between May 31 – June 13, 2022, via MySchools or at a Family Welcome Center.
For children attending a private or parochial school or not in school yet
1. Families can apply between May 31 – June 13, 2022 via MySchools or at a Family Welcome Center.
2. Once the application period closes, the DOE’s Division of Early Childhood Education will contact families to set up an interview.
3. Interviews will take place in June and early July.
4. After the interviews, early childhood experts will provide nominations based on their observations for admission to the program.
How are Kindergarten offers made?
1. Once all applications have been received and the DOE determines eligibility, all eligible applications are reviewed.
2. Based on families’ application choices, seat availability and admissions priorities, the DOE will make offers. Siblings who attend a specific school will receive priority, as well as children who live or attend school in specific districts.
3. Results letters will be received in July 2022. All applicants will receive a letter, regardless of whether the letter includes a G&T offer or not. Waitlist information will also be included, when applicable.
How to Apply for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Grade Admission
1. Families of current Kindergarten, 1st Grade and 2nd Grade students that are interested in their children being in the Gifted & Talented program can apply this spring for Fall 2022 admission.
2. Families can apply between May 31 – June 13, 2022 via MySchools or at a Family Welcome Center.
3. The DOE will determine eligibility standards after students apply.
How are offers made for incoming 1st – 3rd Graders?
1. Based on families’ application choices, seat availability and admissions priorities, the DOE will make offers. Siblings who attend a specific school will receive priority, as well as children who live or attend school in specific districts.
2. Results letters will be received in July 2022. All applicants will receive a letter, regardless of whether the letter includes a G&T offer or not. Waitlist information will also be included, when applicable.
Admission for Top Performing Students Entering 3rd Grade
Eligibility will differ based on where your student currently attends 2nd Grade
Who is eligible?
For 2nd Graders currently enrolled in NYC Public Schools
1. The DOE will identify 2nd graders that are in the top 10% at their school based on core course grades in Math, Science, Social Studies and English Language Arts.
2. These students will be invited to apply for the Top-Performer G&T programs by the DOE.
3. Families can apply between May 31 – June 13, 2022 via MySchools or at a Family Welcome Center.
Important: Students invited to apply can also apply for Grade 3 seats at K-5 GT Programs
For 2nd Graders currently enrolled in private or parochial schools
1. Families can apply between May 31 – June 13, 2022 via MySchools or at a Family Welcome Center.
2. The DOE will determine eligibility for top-performing applicants based on their grades.