DOE plans new citywide G&T programs

Good news for parents of high-scoring gifted and talented test takers: The Department of Education announced today that it is in the process of identifying sites for citywide G&T programs in Brooklyn and in Queens for September 2009. With two more of these ultra-selective programs, (kids must score at least 97% on the tests to be eligible) pressure will be lessened on the current citywide schools, all in Manhattan: TAG, Anderson and Nest+M. And parents might find it easier to travel to schools in their own boroughs.

Parents in the Bronx and Staten Island can look forward to 2010, as the DOE is considering establishing citywide programs there too.

Incoming kindergarteners and 1st graders who score at the 90 percentile or above are guaranteed seats in district programs. In a change from previous years, all G&T programs will begin in kindergarten.

Handbooks, which include forms to sign up for the G&T test, will be available at schools, enrollment offices and on the Department's website on Oct. 29. In November they will be available at many of the community organizations that run pre-K programs. Forms should be returned to the schools or borough enrollment offices by Nov. 19.

Test results are supposed to be mail to families in early April for kindergarten -1st grade placement and in May for 2-3^rd grade placement. Two weeks after receiving them, parents must file a ranked choice application - this year they may file online as well as by mail.

For more information read our G&T admissions update; for a list of current programs see our page on Gifted and Talented programs.

Got a thought about G&T admissions? Join the conversation on our forum.

-Judy Baum, Oct. 23, 2008