What Are the Different Types of NYC Public High School Programs?
Having school choice is a good thing.
Hold that statement in mind and take a deep breath…
Every year, I hear about the stress of the NYC high school admissions process from every corner: students in screened group 1, students with high lottery numbers, low lottery numbers, families with none of the lingo yet, families with older children who have done it all before, and everyone in between. The noise can make it feel like the whole thing is a maze designed to overwhelm you.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, this process can even feel empowering. A single zoned school might seem simpler, sure, but “simple” isn’t the same as “better.” When you understand your child’s options, you gain the power to make thoughtful, informed decisions together.
School vs. Program… What’s the Difference?
One of the first (and most confusing) things families learn about NYC public high school admissions is that you don’t actually apply to schools, you apply to programs.
This distinction matters. A single high school can offer multiple programs, each with its own theme, admissions method, and seat availability. On the MySchools application, you can rank each program separately. In some buildings, these programs operate almost like schools within a school, with separate leadership, guidance counselors, and course sequences. In other schools, programs are more flexible: students share the same overall community and may move between programs over time, more like choosing a major within a college.
Common Admissions Methods for NYC Public High Schools
Below are the most common NYC high school admissions methods you’ll see in MySchools (not every method, but the ones families encounter most often):
Open Enrollment / Open Admission:
Students are admitted based solely on their randomly assigned lottery number.
Screened Admission:
A “screened” program considers additional academic or school-based criteria. Depending on the school, this may include:
Grades
On-site assessments
Written responses or essays
Interviews (rare, but it exists)
There are several sub-types of screened programs… more on that in the chart below.
Educational Option (Ed. Opt):
Students are selected based on 7th grade report cards to ensure there are students from a mix of academic levels. Ed Opt schools admit students from a range of academic levels to ensure an academically diverse student body. You can see your child’s Ed. Opt group (low, middle, or high) in their MySchools profile.
Audition/Portfolio:
Arts-focused programs (in dance, drama, instrumental music, vocal music, fine arts, design, architecture, and more) require a digital audition or portfolio submission, as outlined in MySchools. Some also offer in-person auditions.
Specialized High Schools Admissions Test:
Eight of the nine Specialized High Schools admit students solely through the SHSAT exam. LaGuardia High School is the exception –it is a performing arts school and uses auditions/portfolio materials instead.
You rank your SHSAT choices on test day. These rankings do not appear on your MySchools application.
Types of NYC Public High School Programs
NYC families often refer to schools by their admissions method (“a screened assessment school”), by their program type (“an early college school”), or by some other unique distinguishing feature (“a consortium school”). These terms don’t always line up neatly, and a single program may fall into multiple categories. For example: a performance-based school could also have a screened assessment admissions method and offer a CTE program.
Yes, it’s a lot. But here’s a clear breakdown of the most commonly used descriptors:
NYC High School Admissions Methods & Program Types Explained
Performance Assessment Schools (PBAT schools)
How to find it in MySchools: Search for “Performance Assessment”
What is it? Schools that use performance based assessments (PBATs), such as research projects and presentations (instead of Regents exams) for graduation requirements.
Admissions/ Application Method: PBAT schools vary on admissions method (i.e. there are screened, ed-opt, and open enrollment PBAT school options).
Consortium Schools
How to find it in MySchools: Search for “Performance Assessment” and filter for “Screened with Assessment” under “Admissions Method”
What is it? A specific group of 5 Performance Assessment Schools schools that all use the same essay prompt for admissions.
Admissions/ Application Method: Consortium schools are all screened based on response to a single essay prompt. One school, Beacon, also considers a student's 7th grade report cards.
Specialized High Schools
How to find it in MySchools: Filter for “Test” under “Admissions Method”
What is it? Accelerated academic programs. There are 9 specialized high schools including Laguardia High School (see performing arts category below).
Admissions/ Application Method: A single specialized test (SHSAT) with the exception of Laguardia (See below). You rank your choices the day you sit for the test. This application is separate from your MySchools application.
Performing Arts/ Audition Programs (Including Laguardia)
How to find it in MySchools: Filter for “Audition” under “Admissions Method”
What is it? Programs that serve students with talents in a specific arts discipline: dance, visual arts, graphic design, architecture, drama, instrument, vocal, etc. Programs greatly vary in the type of discipline and structure of coursework.
Admissions/ Application Method: Taped audition or portfolio required. All schools offer digital submissions via MySchools and some schools also offer in-person auditions. You only need to submit one audition video for each discipline (e.g. if you are applying to 3 drama programs, only one video upload is required).
Early College Programs
How to find it in MySchools: Filter for “Early College” under “College and Career Pathways”
What is it? Students have the opportunity to earn up to two years of college credit toward a liberal arts Associate's degree while in grades 9-12 at the high school level at no cost to students.
Admissions/ Application Method: Early College programs vary on admissions method (i.e. there are screened, ed-opt, and open enrollment options).
Career Technical Education (CTE) Schools and Programs
How to find it in MySchools: Filter for “Career and Technical Education (CTE)” under College and Career Pathways.
What is it? Schools that have a specific career theme/training program. These schools have partnerships with industries and often offer internship coursework and/or college credits.
Admissions/ Application Method: CTE programs vary on admissions method (i.e. there are screened, ed-opt, audition, and open enrollment options). Some of the Specialized High Schools also have CTE programs.
Screened by School-Based Assessment
How to find it in MySchools: Filter for “Screened with Assessment” under “Admissions Method”
What is it? Schools that admit students based on school-specific admissions criteria. Many of these schools are considered “honors” programs, or have specific high-academic standards.
Admissions/ Application Method: Admissions methods vary school to school, but typically involve an on-site test or and/or digitally submitted essay/ response to prompts. A very small number of schools also require an interview. Some of these schools have in-person admission requirements.
Screened by Grades
How to find it in MySchools: Filter for “Screened” under “Admissions Method”
What is it? Schools that admit students based on high academic achievement (according to course grades).
Admissions/ Application Method: Students are placed in a screened admissions group (Group 1, Group 2, or Group 3) based on their 7th grade grades in core subjects (ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies). Schools admit students in screened group order. Your group is listed on your MySchools application.