New York City’s Gifted and Talented (G&T) programs are provided for students who show potential as advanced or accelerated learners. Usually learners who do best in these programs are self directed and take initiative. They might seek out the answers to their questions or find additional opportunities to pursue their interests. They generally follow directions, show higher levels of self regulation, can sustain focus and have strong communication skills. These programs sometimes apply to the entire school (the citywides: Anderson, Brooklyn School of Inquiry, NEST+M, TAG and 30th Ave), or they can be programs within general education schools. This is yet another option in the vast array of NYC public school possibilities, the “gifted and talented” programs.
Here are some things to note about these programs:
Families can apply in Kindergarten, but also often in 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th grades as well because they recognize that it might take a few years to determine they need a G&T program.
Programs within general education schools usually go up to 5th grade.
Citywide programs often go through 8th or 12th grades.
Students often go on to selective, high-achieving middle and high schools.
G&Ts offer the same curriculum, just accelerated and the same type of teachers.
Recent changes made to G&T programs starting in 2024:
The standardized admissions test is no longer being used for admissions criteria. Applying to these programs can happen in one of two ways:
If a student is currently in a DOE school: Parents need to reach out to their current pre k teachers to discuss the possibility and see if the teacher agrees. Then, if so, make sure to give them plenty of time to submit – do not tell them the week before it is due!
If they are in a private school currently you can contact the DOE directly. A DOE representative, who is an early childhood education expert, will then get in contact to interview you about your child and determine if they are eligible applicants for G&T admissions.
Offers are made based on a few factors, including the school preferences that a family lists in their DOE application (make sure to list G&T programs at the top of your preferences, if that is your priority), the available seats and your district.
For students entering 1st grade or after, G&T admissions is open to all students who received grades of 3 or 4 (“meets expectations” and “exceeds expectations”) on their report cards from their current DOE school. All of these students enter the G&T lottery, if desired - which means that the G&T process is now much more competitive than before and based on some amount of luck because there is a larger pool of applicants.
Important Dates:
For Children Interested in Kindergarten G&T Programs in Fall 2024:
Application has closed.
For Children Interested in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th G&T Programs in Fall 2024:
Current kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade families who are interested in G&T can submit an application beginning April 15, 2024.
The application deadline will be May 3, 2024.
More information on the DOE website.
Please reach out if you would like to talk it over to determine if a G&T program is a good fit for your child, to understand the various Brooklyn G&T programs or if you have any further questions on the process.
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