Choices

There are many types of high schools in New York City. School types include:

Career and Technical Education Schools (CTE) integrate rigorous academic study with workforce skills in specific career pathways. Students participate in programs that meet business and industry standards. Students receive instruction in an industry-related area like computer graphics, veterinary science, restaurant management, carpentry & nursing, among many others. They have the opportunity to graduate high school with industry-specific competencies and skills that lead to postsecondary education, further industry training and/or entry into the workforce. Through these programs, students can earn the Regent’s Diploma with a Technical Endorsement.

Charter Schools are independent public schools, governed by their own not-for-profit boards of trustees, which operate on the terms of five-year performance contracts known as charters. All students eligible for admission to a traditional public school can apply to a charter school. Students are admitted through a lottery, but charter schools do give preference to siblings of students already enrolled in the school and students living in the charter school’s district.

Small Learning Communities (SLCs) are small academic communities of about 400 students within larger comprehensive schools. Each small learning community has a dedicated group of administrators and staff, all focused on providing students with a challenging curriculum and helping them graduate on time, prepared for college or the workplace. Students and their families can find out which schools have Small Learning Communities in The Directory of Public High Schools.

Small Schools enroll about 500 students and provide classes designed to ensure that all students meet high standards and graduate. The schools also form partnerships with non-profit organizations, cultural institutions and businesses that bring additional resources to enhance learning. Some of the schools have a theme, such as science, law, business, or the arts, which enables students to connect what they learn in the classroom to the world beyond.

Specialized High Schools
There are nine specialized high schools in New York City. At eight of these schools, admission is based on the score attained on the competitive Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT). The exception is Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts (LaGuardia High School) where acceptance is by audition and a review of academic records. Information about these schools can be found in the Specialized High Schools Student Handbook 2008-2009. Students must be residents of New York City to apply to the Specialized High Schools.

Transfer Schools are small, academically challenging high schools designed to reengage students who have dropped out or who have fallen behind. These schools provide a personalized learning environment and connections to career and college opportunities.

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