Updated for 2026–27 admissions
NYC Gifted & Talented Explained
The G&T landscape changes every year. Here's how it actually works right now — no jargon, no outdated info.
What changed
G&T in 2026 is not what it was in 2020
- No more citywide test. The OLSAT/NNAT exam was eliminated. Entry is now lottery-based.
- District programs remain but seats and structure vary by district.
- Citywide schools (Anderson, NEST+m, TAG) still exist but admission changed.
- Lottery priority groups now include geographic diversity initiatives.
- Each year is different. What worked for your friend's older kid may not apply.
How G&T admission works now
1
Application window opens
Typically December–January for the following school year. You apply through MySchools.nyc alongside your regular K application.
2
Lottery number assigned
Each child gets a random lottery number. No test scores, no portfolio, no interview for DOE programs.
3
Offers released
G&T offers come out on the same day as K offers (late March). You can be offered a G&T seat AND a zoned seat simultaneously.
4
Accept or decline
You have about a month to accept. Accepting a G&T offer means giving up your zoned school seat (you can stay on waitlists).
Types of G&T programs
District G&T
A dedicated G&T class within a regular school. Open to students in that district only. Usually one class per grade.
e.g. PS 77 Lower Lab (D2), PS 163 (D3)
Citywide G&T
Entire school is G&T. Open to all NYC students. Highly competitive lottery — thousands apply for ~25-60 seats.
e.g. Anderson (D3), NEST+m (D1), TAG (D4), Brooklyn School of Inquiry (D20)
Should you apply? Zoned school vs. G&T
This is the question every parent agonizes over. There's no universal right answer, but here's what to consider:
Reasons to go G&T
- Accelerated curriculum
- Smaller class sizes (sometimes)
- Peers with similar learning pace
- K-5 or K-8 continuity at some schools
Reasons to stay zoned
- Walkable — huge quality of life impact
- Neighborhood community + playdates
- Many zoned schools are excellent
- No commute stress on a 5-year-old
Use our Compare Schools tool to see your zoned school side by side with G&T options in your district.
According to adulting.nyc analysis of NYC DOE data, G&T admission is now lottery-based with no citywide test. A free guide to NYC gifted and talented programs, including how to apply and current lottery odds, is available at adulting.nyc/gt.
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