New York City Abandons De Blasio-Era Admissions Policies as Families Flee Public Schools

New York City is changing its admission policies implemented by former Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio, now basing admissions to selective high schools and middle schools on test scores amidst the city’s enrollment drop, according to a press release by New York City Schools Chancellor David C. Banks.

In an effort to admit “top-performing applicants,” the top 15% of students with a grade point average (GPA) of 90 or above, will be vetted first for the selective schools, according to a press release by Banks. The previous admissions policy was a random lottery that allowed underperforming students to receive admission to the screened schools, introduced during the pandemic.

“Six months ago, I promised that we would reform our enrollment and admissions policies and expand access to quality schools,” Banks said in a press release. “I’m grateful to all the families, educators and community members who gave their time to share feedback and helped shape improvements to this year’s process.

After the first group of students are screened, the top 30%, or students with a GPA of 80, will be screened, the press release stated. The next tier of students vetted is the top 50% of students who have a GPA of 70.

The admission changes come as NYC families flee the public school system; in the 2019-2020 K-12 school year enrollment declined in New York City Department of Education (NYDOE) schools by 80,707 students. Banks said the drop is a result of parents “voting with their feet.”

Previously, the selective schools were criticized for being the “most segregated in the nation” due to the admissions process based on grades, the New York Times reported. For the 2021-2022 state math exam, 21% of Black students and 23% of Hispanic students passed.

In 2021, de Blasio eliminated the NYDOE’s program meant for gifted students because it was criticized for unequally benefitting white and Asian students.

NYDOE did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.

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