After the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) released the admissions list for the 2024-25 academic year for kindergarten, middle school, and high school, over 450 public school parents participated in an enrollment survey initiated by the educational advocacy group PLACE NYC. The survey focused on the overall fairness of the admission process and the availability and accessibility of rigorous academic courses.
About 80% of the respondents shared their experiences in applying for kindergarten (167 responses), middle school (309 responses), and high school (247 responses), providing extensive feedback.
Regarding kindergarten admissions, while about 75% of families expressed satisfaction with the results, nearly 70% of parents do not support the current method of “combining teacher recommendations and lottery selections” for selecting children for gifted and talented (G&T) programs. Parents pointed out that the overly subjective selection process has led to a dilution of the curriculum and a scarcity of spots citywide. Many parents are calling for the “restoration of a more child-centric selection process for G&T programs.”
In terms of middle school admissions, 75% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the city’s elimination of many “screened admissions” spots. Families were split evenly between being satisfied and dissatisfied with the entire admission process. Families in the second district emphasized the uncertainty caused by lottery placements and their impact on commuting. Families in Brooklyn—39% of the surveyed group—praised the expansion of “accelerated programs” in the 20th district as “the right decision and choice for academically talented children,” while families in the 15th district noted that their children “will be transitioning from the 15th district to the 20th district for sixth grade because the 15th district lacks suitable middle schools.”
Concerning high school admissions, 70% of respondents were dissatisfied with the application process, with some describing it as “absurd and frustrating, causing anxiety and immense pressure.” Families are hoping for “more assistance from the Department of Education, especially regarding admissions to arts schools, helping them transition from video submissions back to in-person interviews.”
The high school application process spans from September to December 1st, which is “equivalent to a full-time job for parents,” as noted by one parent. For “working-class families who do not speak English,” the application process is particularly burdensome. While many families appreciated the earlier release date of acceptance letters (March 7th this year), close to 80% criticized the continued use of lotteries, believing that this method “hampers the motivation of children who strive to excel and unleash their potential.”
Many comments also included calls for the “restoration of zoning priorities for high school admissions,” citing that long commuting times between districts “are detrimental to children,” and highlighting that Manhattan families lack “zoned high schools,” putting Manhattan students at a disadvantage.
Additionally, many parents expressed dissatisfaction with the scarcity of community accelerated programs. Many respondents expressed concerns about small class sizes, fearing that this approach might further reduce the spots available in gifted schools. Many individuals stated that they would “prefer more spots in gifted schools over smaller class sizes.”