HS Admissions Parent Resources
As you are likely aware, 7th grade is a pivotal year for your child. Many programs base their admissions criterion on a student’s 7th grade academic performance, so starting the preparation process early will make a big difference.
Depending on which type of high school your child is interested in attending, he/she may also need to prepare to take an additional test for entrance requirements, such as the SHSAT, ISEE, SSAT, or TACHS. You will need to register your student to take these HS Admissions exams in the fall of their 8th grade year. There are also a few public high schools in NYC that require students to take their own assessment onsite, such as Bard High School. Others, like LaGuardia (a specialized high school) and Beacon, require auditions, essays, or portfolio submissions.
The high school application process is an exciting time, but it can also be quite overwhelming! We recommend leaving plenty of time to explore options and to help your student prepare for any HS Admissions tests, application essays, and/or portfolios required by select high schools. We also encourage parents to register to attend Open Houses, Info Sessions, and Tours for schools that offer them in the spring.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSIONS PROCESS
- HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSIONS -
STANDARDIZED TEST REQUIREMENTS
1. Specialized High Schools
Standardized Test Scores Required: SHSAT
Where to Find More Information: www.schools.nyc.gov
2. Screened Public High Schools
Screened high schools will consider test scores from:
7th Grade Common Core State Test
Where to Find More Information: www.schools.nyc.gov
3. Independent Schools (Private)
Standardized Test Scores Required: ISEE or SSAT
Where to Find More Information:
ERBLearn.ORG
SSAT.ORG
4. Parochial/Catholic
Standardized Test Scores Required: TACHS
Where to Find More Information: TACHSinfo.com
Common Core State Test Dates & Information
High School Admissions Resources
For those of you just starting the HS Admissions process, we have included some pertinent information below. We would encourage you to gather as much information as you can about HS choice, so you have time to process it all and talk it through with your kids. Below are some helpful resources:
NYC MySchools: NYC families can use MySchools to explore personalized school options and get guidance on the admissions process from start to finish. Get started by creating an account.
InsideSchools Guided High School Search Tool allows you to search through more than 400 New York City high schools to find schools your student might be eligible for, and decide which schools may be the best fit.
Sign up for the NYCDOE High School Admissions and/or Specialized High School Admissions newsletter to get admissions tips and key date reminders.
High School 411 is a subscription service that provides NYC families with real-time updates and reminders about high schools tours and deadlines, along with insider tips from people who've been through the process before with input like: questions to ask, options to consider, and what needs to be done and when. Moderated by Elissa Stein, a parent who’s been through this stressful and often overwhelming process twice with her own kids, and with over 600 families at this point, High School 411 is an invaluable and unique resource for support and information that makes a difference to both NYC families and kids. Learn more here: www.highschool411nyc.com. SSW families receive a discounted subscription!
Joyce Szuflita, an educational consultant, knows all of the ins and outs of the High School Admissions process. She is incredibly knowledgeable and offers talks, as well as private consultations with parents. You can find more information on her website at http://www.nycschoolhelp.com/
Holly Thompson is a coach who works with families to help them navigate the NYC high school application process, cope with the stress, communicate well as a family, set up systems and structures that will make the journey easier, and in the end make good decisions about their applications. https://www.hollythompsoncoaching.com/school-search-coaching
At Smith Street Workshop, we offer :
Private tutoring
Small group sessions
Test prep courses
Each student has different needs with regard to test prep. We really try to work with families throughout the process, to provide open & honest feedback, and help you make choices for what type of prep would be the best fit for your child.