Tonight, July 7, is the second in the Department of Education's high school admissions workshop series for middle schools students and their families introducing them to the high school enrollment process.

The topic: The eight specialized exam high schools & LaGuardia (the arts specialized high school).

DOE enrollment officials, as well as school principals and representatives, will be on hand to introduce the schools and talk about the application process.

Admission to an exam school is decided on the basis of the specialized high school test (SHSAT), administered to 8th and 9th graders in the fall. This year the test will be given to most 8th graders on Oct. 23 and Oct. 24; 9th graders  and all students with special needs will sit for the exam the following weekend, on Oct. 30.  Want to study over the summer? The new specialized school directory is nowonline if you haven't already gotten a copy.

Auditions forLaGuardia take place in November and December; dates are assigned according to the borough where you attend school. The only entry point for the specialized high schools is 9th or 10th grade.

Update, 5:55 p.m: Unfortunately, according to the DOE, and contrary to what a commenter on our previous post said, the  Brooklyn Tech's mammoth auditorium is not air-conditioned!   There are certain to be plenty of fans, however.

Students new to NYC

Any students who are entering 9th or 10th grade in September  and who moved to New York City after Oct. 21, 2009 may register for the summer SHSAT or LaGuardia auditions for September 2010 admission. From July 12-August 25 , families may call or visit a Borough Enrollment Office to register.

Questions?  Contact the Office of Student Enrollment at HS_Enrollment@schools.nyc.gov or 718-935-2399.