Hang on to your backpacks, Brooklyn.
The city announced the launch of the long-awaited 2022-2023 middle and high school admissions process this week after parents city-wide expressed frustration over the lack of information on deadlines and policies.
While this information isn't yet updated on the 2022-2023 admissions guide, a spokesperson from the Department of Education told BK Reader incoming middle schoolers can start applying the week of January 10 and incoming high schoolers can start applying the week of January 24.
Deadlines for both middle and high school applications will be the week of February 28. Middle school offers will roll out in early May, while high school offers will be made to families later in the same month.
Rehana Mitchell, an East New York parent, said it was a breeze enrolling her daughter in kindergarten, but that she was nervous she hadn't received any guidance for her son.
"I haven’t received any email about middle school applications for my son who’s in fifth grade," Mitchell said.
"I’m surprised we haven’t heard anything, especially since we keep getting information and updates from Kindergarten. I've already signed my daughter up for kindergarten through the 'My Schools' portal."
Mitchell's son currently is enrolled in a public elementary school in East New York.
Middle school policy updates
Previously, 196 middle schools used screens including grades, student interviews, school-based assessments and more for admissions decisions, but, like last year, there will be no academic screens this upcoming middle school admissions cycle.
These screens contributed to the segregation of public schools, and, since being dismantled last year in response to the pandemic, the percentage of offers to students who qualify for Free or Reduced Price Lunch increased from 41% to 48% at the most traditionally in-demand middle schools.
However, middle schools with arts-based programs will be permitted to audition applicants.
Incoming middle schoolers will rank their school choices, and for schools with more applications than seats, offers will be made using a random selection process.
Geographic priorities and Diversity in Admissions priorities will remain in place for middle schools that currently have them.
“This administration has brought real and lasting equitable change to the admissions process that has dismantled historic barriers and opened up opportunity for more students than ever before," NYC School’s Chancellor Meisha Porter said.
High school policy updates
High schools will have some limited screening in place.
High schools that use academic screening will use fewer measures as their screening criteria compared to 2019. Applications will require one work sample and first semester grades from this school year. This year, due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic, state test scores and attendance records will not be used as a screen.
The evaluation of students' applications to screened schools will happen centrally at DOE instead of at the school level, leading to a more consistent scoring process, according to the DOE.
Last year, district priorities were eliminated and they will continue to not be used for admissions purposes this year. Borough and zone priorities will remain in place for the upcoming admissions cycle. Approximately 235 high school programs offer a borough or zoned priority.
"As we continue to build back from the impacts of COVID-19, we must always put children and the best interests of our babies at the heart of all we do,” Porter said.
To apply for schools online, go to MySchools.NYC.
