What are the Different Types of NYC Public Middle School Programs?
The NYC middle school application is now open on the MySchools portal! NYC middle school admissions can feel like a maze, but understanding the different types of programs is a great first step toward making a smart, informed application list.
Here’s what you need to know about the different types of middle school programs available to your child.
School vs. Program: What’s the Difference?
When you apply to middle school in NYC, you're not just applying to schools — you're applying to school programs.
This distinction matters. A single school may offer multiple programs, and you can rank each one separately on your application. For example, one school might offer both a general education program and a screened program — and each is considered a separate option on your list.
Understanding NYC’s Open Enrollment System
NYC uses an open-enrollment system, which means that technically, any student can apply to any middle school in the city, regardless of where they live. But in practice, geography still plays a big role in admissions.
Many schools give priority to certain geographic groups, and programs are often referred to by the type of admissions priority they use:
Zoned Programs
These programs give first priority to students who live in a specific zone. While most middle schools in NYC are un-zoned, it’s important to check if your child has a zoned option in your neighborhood.
District Programs
These are the most common type of middle school program. They give priority to students who live within a specific district, but not within a smaller school zone. Most NYC families will end up at a district middle school.
Borough-Wide Programs
These programs give priority to students from a certain borough, regardless of district. For example, a Brooklyn student applying to a borough-wide Brooklyn program would have priority over a student from Queens.
Citywide Programs
These are true open-enrollment programs — there is no geographic priority. Any student in NYC can apply, and everyone is considered equally, regardless of where they live.
How Do NYC Screened Public School Admissions Work?
Some middle school programs are screened, meaning they evaluate students based on additional criteria like grades, auditions, or other assessments.
Grade-Based Screening
Most screened schools use fourth grade report cards to evaluate applicants. Students are placed into one of four groups (Group 1–4) based on their final grades:
Group 1: Highest-performing students (e.g., all or mostly 4s/A grades)
Groups 2–4: Gradually lower performance bands
Important:State test scores are not used in middle school admissions.
All Group 1 applicants are treated equally within that group — schools do not rank students within the group based on individual grades or lottery numbers (except in tie-breakers).
Types of Screened Programs
Citywide / Borough-Wide Screened Schools
These schools accept students based on grade group alone, with no district geographic priority. They are often highly competitive, and only accept applicants from Group 1. Some schools, especially in Brooklyn and Queens, may also require on-site assessments or auditions as part of their admissions process.
Screened Programs Within District Schools
Beyond the well-known citywide options, some district schools offer screened programs alongside general education ones, particularly in District 2.
You can apply to both the screened and unscreened programs at the same school.
These programs are a good option to consider if your child is in Group 1 or 2, especially if their lottery number isn’t strong.
Talent-Based Programs (Audition or Talent Test)
Some middle schools offer talent-based programs in areas like:
Performing arts (music, dance, theater)
Visual arts or media
Creative writing/ journalism
Athletics
Computer science / STEAM
Depending on the school, students may be asked to:
Submit a virtual audition or project via MySchools
Complete an in-person audition or assessment
There is a cluster of talent-based schools located in District 21 in Brooklyn. District 21 schools all run in-person components of admissions out of Mark Twain in Coney Island. Be sure to check each program’s specific admissions requirements and deadlines.
Bilingual / Dual Language Programs
Some middle school programs are bilingual, meaning they offer instruction in two languages. These programs may give priority to students who:
Speak the partner language at home
Are designated as English Language Learners (ELL)
However, non-native speakers can still apply — you just won’t receive admissions priority. It is important that these programs are not “language classes.” Instruction happens in both languages, so they’re best suited for students who have a need to receive instruction in language other than English or already have fluency in the partner language.