SHSAT Discovery Program Guide 2026-2027 | NYC Schools

# Understanding the Discovery Program for 2026–27 Specialized High School Admissions As the 2026–27 New York City admissions cycle begins, families across the five boroughs are preparing for the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT). For students who score just below the cutoff for the city’s elite specialized high schools, the **Discovery Program** provides an alternative pathway to admission. Based on the latest official updates from the New York City Department of Education (NYCPS), here is the essential information for families navigating the current cycle. ## What is the Discovery Program? The Discovery Program is an initiative designed to increase diversity and provide opportunities for high-performing students who attend schools with high Economic Need Indices (ENI). Eligible students who take the SHSAT and score within a certain range—just below the qualifying cutoff—may be invited to participate in a summer program. Upon successful completion of this program, students are granted admission to a specialized high school. ### The Eight Participating Schools While there are nine specialized high schools in total, eight require the SHSAT for admission and participate in the Discovery process: * 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 * Stuyvesant High School * Staten Island Technical High School *Note: Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts requires an audition rather than the SHSAT and does not use the Discovery Program.* ## Eligibility Requirements for 2026–27 To be considered for the Discovery Program, a student must meet all of the following criteria: 1. **Take the SHSAT:** Students must sit for the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test during the current testing cycle. 2. **Score Requirements:** Students must receive a score on the SHSAT that is within a specific range below the cutoff score for the schools they listed on their application. 3. **High Need Designation:** Students must attend a NYC public school with an Economic Need Index (ENI) that meets the Department of Education’s threshold (typically 60% or higher). 4. **Disadvantaged Status:** Students must be identified as "disadvantaged" based on specific criteria, which may include living in temporary housing, being a multilingual learner (ELL) who entered the U.S. within the last four years, or meeting specific income requirements. ## The Admissions Process: How it Works Admissions to specialized high schools are determined by a student’s SHSAT score and the order in which they rank the schools on their application. ### Step 1: Testing and Application Students register for the SHSAT via their **NYC Schools Account (NYCSA)** or through their school counselor. On the test, students rank the specialized schools in their order of preference. ### Step 2: Scoring and Cutoffs After tests are graded, the DOE establishes "cutoff scores" for each school. If a student’s score meets or exceeds the cutoff, they receive an offer. If a student’s score falls just below that cutoff and they meet the eligibility requirements mentioned above, they may be notified of their eligibility for the Discovery Program. ### Step 3: The Summer Program Eligible students are invited to attend a rigorous summer academic program hosted by the specialized high schools. This program typically focuses on math and English Language Arts (ELA) to ensure students are prepared for the high-level coursework they will encounter in the fall. ### Step 4: Final Offer Students who attend the summer program, maintain excellent attendance, and pass the final assessments are granted a seat at the specialized high school for the upcoming academic year. ## Key Resources for Families As the cycle progresses, families should actively use official DOE tools to stay informed: * **NYC Schools Account (NYCSA):** This is the primary portal for managing applications, viewing test results, and receiving offers. * **MySchools:** Families can use the MySchools directory to research each specialized high school and view their specific ENI and historical cutoff trends. * **School Counselors:** Your current middle school counselor is the primary point of contact for SHSAT registration and Discovery Program verification. ## What Should Families Do Now? 1. **Check Eligibility:** Review your child’s current school ENI and determine if they meet the disadvantaged status criteria. 2. **Prepare for the SHSAT:** Utilize official practice tests and sample questions provided by the DOE to familiarize your child with the test format. 3. **Monitor Deadlines:** Keep a close watch on the official NYCPS testing calendar for registration windows and test dates for the 2026–27 cycle. 4. **Update Contact Info:** Ensure your NYC Schools Account has the correct email and phone number to receive time-sensitive invitations to the Discovery summer program if your child becomes eligible. --- *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 2026-09-06.*