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The high school admissions process begins in the early fall for 8th graders, 9th graders who are entering high school, and 9th graders who want to change schools for 10th grade. 

Every 8th grader in a New York City public school receives a high school application in the fall. Private and parochial schools also give out these applications.

For students starting high school in Fall 2020, the application period will open in October 2019. The deadline to apply is December 6, 2019.

If you want to apply to one of the City's specialized high schools, there is a separate admissions process. Students must take a test or audition to apply. For more information, visit the Specialized High Schools page.

You can sign up to receive emails for the latest updates on high school admissions, including events.

Admissions Timeline

  • September 21-22: High School Admissions Fairs
  • October: high school application period begins
  • October 5-6: High School Admissions Fairs
  • December 2: deadline to apply
  • March: offer letters mailed and results available on MySchools

Explore Schools

You can apply for up to 12 programs on your application.

To decide which programs to include on your application, you can:

  • Research high school programs using School Finder.
  • Read the High School Admissions Guide. You can pick up a copy from your school counselor or at a Family Welcome Center.
  • Visit or attend open houses or other events at schools you’re interested in
  • Attend a high school fair to speak with representatives from different schools

How to Apply

From October 2019 to December 2, you can apply

  • Online with MySchools
  • Through your school counselor

You can list to up to 12 programs on your application. Rank each program in order of preference.

Offers

All students who applied will receive a high school offer in March. Offers will also be available to view in MySchools.

Offers are based on seat availability, admissions priorities, and admissions methods.

Most students get an offer to attend one of the programs ranked on their application, but it’s not guaranteed. If you don’t get an offer from one of the programs on your application, you will get one to another school.

You cannot appeal to change your high school match.

Waitlists

Your child will be automatically added to the waitlist for any school that you placed higher on your application than the school where you got an offer. For example, if your child got an offer to attend the school you listed third on their application, they will be added to the waitlist for your first and second choice schools.

You will also be able to add your child to a waitlist for schools lower on their list or a school you didn’t list on your application.

You can check your child’s place on the waitlist for any school through your MySchools account. You can also contact the school. If a seat opens up, the school will contact you directly with an offer.

Students who are new to public school and returning students who were not assigned a high school or have moved to a new neighborhood must register at a Family Welcome Center. For locations, visit the School Enrollment Centers page.

You can get more information online or by phone.

Online

Get high school enrollment information.

By Phone

Call 311 for assistance.

The Department of Education (DOE) assists former public school students under 21 years old with returning to school. Students or parents must contact the District where the student's last high school is located.

Look up information for a public school.

Further assistance is available by phone.

Call 311 for assistance.

What to Bring to Register

To register your child for school, you must bring:

  • Two proofs of address
  • Proof of the child's age, such as a birth certificate, passport, or record of baptism
  • Your child's immunization records
  • Latest report card/transcript (if available)
  • Individualized Education Program (IEP) and/or 504 Accommodation Plan (if applicable and available)

Proof of Address

Bring two of the following to prove your address:

  • Income tax form for the last calendar year
  • State, City, or other government-issued identification (including an IDNYC card) which isn't expired, and includes the address of residence
  • Official NYS Driver License, Non-Driver ID card, or learner permit which isn't expired, and includes the address of residence
  • A rent receipt, which includes the address of residence, dated within the past 60 days
  • A residential utility bill (gas or electric) issued by National Grid, Con Edison, or the Long Island Power Authority dated within the past 60 days
  • Water bill for the residence dated within the past 90 days
  • A cable bill for the residence, which includes the name of the parent and the address of residence, dated within the past 60 days
  • Documentation or a letter on letterhead from a federal, state, or local government agency dated within the past 60 days that includes the resident's name and address. Examples of agencies include:
    • Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
    • New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)
    • The federal Office of Refugee Resettlement
    • Human Resources Administration (HRA)
    • Administration for Children's Services (ACS) or an ACS subcontractor
  • A lease agreement, deed, or mortgage statement for the residence
  • A current property tax bill for the residence
  • Official payroll documentation from an employer issued within the past 60 days that includes the home address, A letter on the employer's letterhead isn't adequate. Examples include:
    • Paystub with home address
    • Form submitted for tax withholding purposes
    • Payroll receipt
  • Voter registration documents that include the name of the parent and the address of residence
  • Unexpired membership document based upon residency, such as neighborhood residents' association, which includes the name of the parent and the address of residence
  • Evidence of custody of the child, including judicial custody orders or guardianship papers issued within the past 60 days that includes the name of the student and the home address

At High School Admissions Fairs, you can speak with representatives from all of the City's public high schools, including specialized schools, and participate in workshops related to the high school admissions process.

You can also get copies of publications, including the Directory of the New York City Public High Schools.

This year, the fairs will be held on September 21, September 22, October 5, and October 6.

You can sign up to receive emails with the latest updates on high school admissions, including events.

You can get help with the high school admissions process and enrollment.

Online

Get high school enrollment information.

In Person

Speak with your school counselor or visit a Family Welcome Center.

By Phone

Call 311 for assistance.

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