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Types of High School Admissions Programs

Educational Option Programs (Ed. Opt.)

Educational Option programs are designed to allow students of all different achievement levels entrance to a high school/program. Students applying to an Educational Option program are categorized into one of three categories based upon the results of their 7th grade standardized reading test score:

Top 16%- High
Middle 68%- Middle
Bottom 16%- Low

Students are then matched to a school/program using the matching process described above. To ensure that applicants have the same potential access to a program or school, fifty percent (50%) of the students in each above category are ranked by school personnel and the other fifty percent (50%) are randomly selected by computer from the pool of eligible students who ranked it among their 12 choices. However, any student who scored in the top two percent (2%) on the 7th grade standardized reading test will automatically be matched to the Ed. Opt. program if he/she listed it as his/her first choice. If a child is in the top two percent (2%) it is indicated on the High School Application alongside the Reading score.

Audition Programs

Audition programs require that a student demonstrate proficiency in the specific area of that program. For example, if a student auditions for a drama program, he/she may have to prepare a monologue as part of the audition. The audition requirements are listed with the program on each school’s directory page.

Test Programs

Students are required to take the Specialized High Schools Admission Test (SHSAT) for entrance to one of the Specialized High Schools. Student acceptance is based on test results, student’s priority order of the schools, and seat availability. Note: One of the Specialized High Schools, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts requires an audition for admission rather than the SHSAT.

Screened Programs

Screened program schools use a selection method that is based on previous academic record, standardized test scores and/or attendance history.

Unscreened Programs

A computer randomly selects students for acceptance into these programs. However, many give priority to students who, along with their families, participate in an unscreened programs orientation session or open house. For Zoned programs, priority is given to students who apply and live in the geographical catchment area of the school.

Limited Unscreened Programs
Priority is given to students who, with their parents, attend a school's information session, open houses, etc. It is necessary for students and parents to sign-in at these events.

Zoned Academic Comprehensive Programs

Zoned programs are identified in relation to a specific geographical area. Students living in that area have priority for admission to the zoned program of their zoned school. A student living outside of that school or program’s zone may still apply to the zoned program of that school, but he/she will not have priority for admission. Students wishing to attend their zoned high school must list that school’s zoned program as one of their 12 choices. Students listing the zoned program of their zoned school as one of their 12 choices will be matched to that zoned program if they are not matched to a higher choice on their application. Students are not guaranteed or given priority for a match to any program in their zoned school other than the zoned program. Zoned programs are not available in all areas. For information about specific locations or individual schools/programs, check the High School Directory or contact your local Learning Support Center.

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Sections of this website have been taken directly from the New York City Department of Education website*