Family Resources

Specialized High School Admission Test

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All current 8th and first-time 9th grade students who live in New York City can apply to high school and test and/or audition to apply to the Specialized High Schools during the 2022-2023 school year. In mid-October, you’ll get your child’s welcome letter with details on how to access your MySchools account and participate.

SHSAT UPDATE

Today, we have updates for students interested in applying to any/all of the eight testing Specialized High Schools. You apply to these schools by registering for and then taking the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT); offers are made based on each student’s SHSAT score, their school preferences, and seat availability. Here’s what to do, when:

• Prepare. Detailed test information, sample tests, and information about testing accommodations are available on our website.

• Register. Registration will open in mid-October 2021. Specific registration dates are coming soon!

• Test. All registered students will take the SHSAT in December 2021. When specific test dates and other information become available, we will send an update. 

MORE UPDATES ARE COMING SOON, INCLUDING:

• When to submit your high school application, the way to apply to most of the city’s 700+ program options.

• When and how to register for programs at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, NYC’s audition Specialized High School, which uses a separate admissions process.

• How to audition for arts programs at high schools across the city, including LaGuardia.

WHAT TO DO NOW

• Visit schools.nyc.gov/High and schools.nyc.gov/SHS to get the latest information and watch our video series to learn how to participate in high school admissions. For in-depth information, read last year’s digital High School and Specialized High Schools Admissions Guide. Please note that some resources and information will be updated this fall to reflect any changes for 2022 admissions.

• Start exploring high school program options in the MySchools.nyc high school directory. You don’t need to log in or create an account to use the online directory!

Questions? Talk to your child’s current school counselor or email HSEnrollment@schools.nyc.gov. 

Universal NYC Baby Bonds: Kids Rise Save for College Program 

The Mayor and Chancellor have announced a citywide expansion of the community-driven NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program. This public-private-community partnership provides families, schools, and communities access to a universal scholarship and savings platform, regardless of a family’s income or immigration status. Starting this year, every kindergartener enrolled in a New York City public school will have access to an NYC Scholarship Account, with $100 invested toward their future education and up to $200 in rewards. Register for an info session to learn more.

NYC DOE Homecoming Health And Safety Guide For Families

DOE released the DOE Homecoming Health and Safety Guide for families, which includes the latest health and safety precautions that will be in place when schools open for school year 2021-22 to provide a safe and healthy in-person learning experience for all students. Please share the Homecoming Guide with families in your school community as soon as possible; translations will also be available at schools.nyc.gov/homecoming in the coming days. 

All the latest updates and information on School Year 2021-22 can be found at schools.nyc.gov/homecoming,and health & safety information is available at schools.nyc.gov/2021health.

P-EBT Resources

Every single NYC public school student is automatically eligible—regardless of income or immigration status—. No application or registration is required. P-EBT does not affect any other benefits or public charge status. Students in parochial or charter schools may be eligible if their school participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).  For more information, please check out the links below.

• P-EBT Guidance 21-22
• P-EBT Guidance 21-22 (Spanish)
• How to Replace P-EBT Card

GetFoodNYC:  Free Food Locations

Get a map of food resources across the city:Free food pantries, Grocery stores and farmer’s markets locations, grab & go meals at NYC Schools, available for all children or adults in need.

Free Fast Wi-Fi in NYC

LinkNYC is a first-of-its-kind communications network that is replacing pay phones across the five boroughs with new structures called Links. Each Link provides super fast, free public Wi-Fi, phone calls, device charging, and a tablet for access to city services, maps and directions.  Learn more here.

As part of their franchise contract renewals with the City, Time Warner Cable and Cablevision have partnered with DoITT and the Parks Department to provide public Wi-Fi service in nearly 80 parks locations across the five boroughs. NYC Parks Wi-Fi access is available on a free and limited-free basis. View a map of Parks WiFi locations.  Learn more here.

All branches of the Library feature computers that offer access to the Internet, electronic databases, library catalogs, and Microsoft Office. Every location also offers free Wi-Fi access during open hours.  Learn more here.

Learn more about Broadband Access programs here:

Emergency Broadband Benefit

Harlem WiFi

NYC Connected Communities

NYCHA Digital Van

TWC Learning Labs

The Emergency Broadband Benefit

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more.