Application Process

The Office of New Schools of the New York City Department of Education is pleased to present the new schools application process for district schools to open in September 2014.

New district schools focus on meeting the needs of all students, particularly the hardest-to-serve.  Starting a new school is a significant opportunity to influence students’ lives and serve New York City families and students. It is also intense and demanding; the rigorous application process is designed to gauge leaders’ readiness to meet these challenges and evaluate their proposed school models. The Office of New Schools Leadership Competences are used throughout the process as the framework for the assessment of proposals.

Our selection process consists of five phases, and candidates are notified at each phase whether or not they will advance.  The process includes a series of four evening assessment sessions, one or more interviews, one or more school visits, and written submissions. Throughout the process, candidates develop their new school proposal.  Successful proposals reflect expertise and careful thought in the requisite areas, represent the leader’s fundamental beliefs about education, and outline a coherent plan with strong alignment between the philosophy, structure and instructional plan. 

The phases and elements of the selection process are diagramed below.

Learn more about:

• Eligibility Requirements
• Selection Calendar
• First Steps to Submitting a New School Application