New York, NY — New York City’s Department of Education has announced major changes to the public middle school admissions process. These changes are set to take effect for the 2025–2026 school year. The updates include a return to screened admissions for select schools, citywide application access, and newly screened programs. All of which are expected to impact thousands of families across the five boroughs.
Screened Admissions Return Citywide
Beginning in Fall 2025, certain middle schools will once again be allowed to screen applicants based on academic performance. Consequently, screened programs will evaluate students using their final 4th-grade grades in four core subjects: English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
The DOE will group students citywide based on their average course grades, giving first consideration to the highest-performing group. For example, students with an average of 94.25 or higher fall into the top 15% and will be prioritized accordingly.
Four New Screened Schools in District 2
The DOE has introduced newly screened programs in Manhattan’s District 2, one of the city’s most sought-after school districts—marking one of the most significant changes. The following schools will begin screening applicants for Fall 2025:
- MS 131 – Sun Yat Sen Middle School
- MS 167 – Wagner Middle School
- MS 297 – 75 Morton Middle School
- MS 104 – Baruch Middle School
These schools will implement academic screening for the first time, adding a new layer of competitiveness to the application process in the district.
Citywide Access, with Zoned Priorities
Another change that expands options for families is the ability to apply to any public middle school citywide. Previously, many schools gave strict priority to in-district applicants. While families can now apply beyond their home districts, zoned schools will still give priority to local students, and most schools will maintain a preference for in-district applicants.
Application Timeline and Resources
The middle school application will open in Fall 2025, with a deadline in early December. Unlike in some previous years, the DOE will weigh all applications submitted by the deadline equally, rather than considering them on a first-come, first-served basis.
The DOE encourages families to visit MySchools.nyc to explore school options and speak with their school counselor for guidance. The DOE also operates Family Welcome Centers for in-person support.
What This Means for NYC Families
As more competitive admissions return and new screening programs emerge, experts urge families to begin planning early. Understanding school priorities, keeping track of GPA, and attending open houses in the fall will be crucial for making informed decisions.
For continued updates on NYC school admissions and academic support, stay connected with us here at Khan’s Tutorial.