Apply to NYC High Schools
High School
In New York City, students apply to high school during their 8th-grade year. Current first-time 9th-grade students can also participate in high school admissions. Learn more by watching our video series, and scroll down for the latest information and updates.
Watch the NYC High School Admissions Video Series
Happening Next
Registration for Specialized High Schools admissions opens on December 21, 2020. Learn more on our Specialized High Schools page(Open external link).
The high school application will open the week of January 18, 2021.
Create your MySchools account(Open external link) now so you'll be ready to register and apply. Need help?
Watch the "How to Create Your MySchools Account" video in the playlist above or talk to your child’s school counselor.
If your child attends a private or parochial school or is currently homeschooled, contact a Family Welcome Center.
Admissions Updates
Due to the current public health crisis, and as part of a larger effort to make the high school admissions process simpler and more equitable for families, we’ve made some necessary changes:
Geographic (location-based) admissions priorities for high schools will be phased out over the next two years. This means that, after next year, the location of a student’s home cannot alone determine their chances of getting into a certain school.
District priorities for high school admissions will be permanently eliminated this year.
All other geographic priorities—like borough residence requirements—will be eliminated next year.
Screened high school programs can use the following criteria this year to rank applicants: a combination of 2018-2019 state test scores, previous years' grades, and/or other measures. You can find any program's academic screening criteria on their MySchools page, in the Admissions Factors section.
Sign up for our high school admissions email list, and we'll notify you when the high school application opens. You will also get updates, key date reminders, and tips throughout the admissions process.
For more information visit: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/high-school