Leaving aside the question of independent schools, ambitious students and parents in New York who stay within the DOE's system face a complex array of competitive and specialized high schools both in Manhattan and the outer boroughs. Our expert educational consultants, subject tutors, and test prep specialists have weighed in to help us compile the following overview. From there, it's a matter of portfolio development, SHSAT preparation, and a variety of other qualifying processes. PwP, as always, is here to help.
Even among the unusual and varied challenges in the life of students and parents trying to navigate the world of New York education, the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) stands out. The SHSATÂ is a unique test given under unique conditions for admission to a unique cadre of schools: NYC's Specialized High Schools are the DOE's flagship secondary schools and admission to them is a high stakes affair. Here, one of our expert SHSAT prep tutors weighs in on the best approach to the exam. read more
One of the often overlooked keys to educational success is the ability of parents to keep on top of their students' ongoing needs and successes. Good communication with teachers can be critical but can also be a challenge in busy, competitive environments, like Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the rest of New York City. The following is parenting advice for those who want to optimize their experience at school conferences. read more
From homeschooling to flexible tutoring support, families with student dancers around New York City often find they have to devise alternative educational programs in order to accommodate their children's artistic aspirations. In light of the experience of our tutors and test prep specialists as well as our expert homeschool coordinators, we consider the challenges to students balancing training-intensive performance lives with schoolwork. read more
The Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) is not only the sole criterion for admission to the DoE's eight specialized academic high schools, but it's also a one-off exam for ninth grade matriculation. Students endure months of preparation with tutors and specialists for a test that is famously only given once, no retakes, no make-ups. The one exception is for families that move to NYC after the October test date. Those families will have one chance to sit for the test, and we detail the options for them here. read more