2026-27 SHSAT & Discovery Program Official Guide

# Navigating the 2026–27 Specialized High Schools Admissions Cycle As the New York City Department of Education (NYCPS) begins the **2026–2027 admissions cycle**, families are looking for clarity on the process for entering the city’s prestigious Specialized High Schools. Central to this process is the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) and the **Discovery Program**, an initiative designed to expand access to these institutions. This guide outlines the official policy, eligibility requirements, and the steps families should take to navigate the current enrollment period based on the latest department updates. ## The SHSAT and Specialized High Schools The SHSAT remains the primary pathway for students to receive offers for eight of the nine Specialized High Schools. These include: * The Bronx High School of Science * The Brooklyn Latin School * Brooklyn Technical High School * High School for Mathematics, Science and Engineering at City College * High School of American Studies at Lehman College * Queens High School for the Sciences at York College * Staten Island Technical High School * Stuyvesant High School *(Note: Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts requires an audition rather than the SHSAT.)* ## Understanding the Discovery Program The Discovery Program is a specific mission-driven initiative aimed at increasing diversity and providing opportunities for high-performing students who attend high-poverty schools. If a student scores just below the qualifying cutoff for a Specialized High School, they may be eligible for admission through this program. ### Eligibility Criteria To be considered for the Discovery Program, a student must meet all of the following official criteria: 1. **Take the SHSAT:** Students must sit for the exam during the 2026-27 cycle. 2. **Score Below the Cutoff:** The student’s SHSAT score must fall within a specific range just below the standard cutoff score for the school they wish to attend. 3. **Attend a High-Poverty School:** The student must currently attend a New York City public school with an Economic Need Index (ENI) above a certain threshold. 4. **Be Certified as Eligible:** Students must be identified as meeting the economic eligibility requirements (such as being from a low-income household or living in temporary housing). ### The Summer Requirement Eligible students who receive a Discovery offer must successfully complete a rigorous **summer enrichment program** at the relevant Specialized High School. Upon passing the summer program, students are granted admission for the following fall semester. ## Key Components of the Admissions Process ### 1. Preparation and Testing Students are encouraged to utilize official DOE resources to prepare for the SHSAT. The department provides practice tests and specific guidance on the test format, which includes both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics sections. ### 2. Digital Tools: MySchools and NYCSA The **New York City Schools Account (NYCSA)** and **MySchools** are the primary platforms for managing the admissions process. Families must use these portals to: * Register for the SHSAT. * View test results. * Receive and accept offers. * Check eligibility status for programs like Discovery. ### 3. Diversity and Inclusion Policies The DOE emphasizes that enrollment is open to all students, including Students with Disabilities (SWD) and Multilingual Learners (MLs). Testing accommodations are available for students who have them documented in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. ## Next Steps for Families To ensure a smooth transition into the 2026–27 school year, families should prioritize the following actions: * **Create or Update Your NYCSA:** Ensure your New York City Schools Account is active. This is the only way to receive official notifications regarding your child’s testing schedule and results. * **Consult the Testing Calendar:** Regularly check the official NYCPS testing calendar for registration deadlines and SHSAT test dates. * **Identify Your School’s ENI:** Speak with your current school counselor to determine if your child’s school meets the Discovery Program’s poverty threshold. * **Attend Informational Events:** The DOE hosts admissions events and auditions briefings. Participation in these sessions provides the most current information on how students get offers. For further assistance, families can visit a **Family Welcome Center** or consult their school’s guidance counselor to discuss specific student needs, including accessibility or language support during the testing process. --- *Source: [NYC DOE — Discovery Program & SHSAT Eligibility](https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/specialized-high-schools/discovery-programs) — automatically synced on 2026-10-12.*