Top Middle Schools NYC

 ACCELERATED MIDDLE 
SCHOOLS NYC

The content below is sourced from each school's website. We encourage readers to visit each school's website for the most up to date information.  

About the Anderson Middle School

The Anderson School is an academically selective, completely free Gifted and Talented public school that seeks a diverse student population and welcomes applications from students of all races, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds living in any of the five boroughs. Anderson is a K-8 school but accepts about 10 students in for Grade 6 Admissions. Students must apply directly to the Anderson School using their school’s own application. The application is separate from the district middle school application that public-school students will submit to their guidance counselor. Applying to Anderson does not jeopardize a student’s chances of being made an offer from any other school. All applicants will be ranked based on a calculation from our Eligibility Rubric that weigh all components of the student’s fourth grade final report card and fourth grade NYS Math and ELA test scores. The 200 highest-scoring students, as determined by the Eligibility Rubric, will be invited to The Anderson School’s onsite admissions test. After the invited students take the onsite admissions test, the acceptance list and ranked waitlist will be created using our Admissions Rubric, which includes the onsite test score, fifth grade report card, and teacher recommendations. Admissions notifications will be emailed to families in May, at the same time as all other Department of Education middle school placement notifications. Anderson is a feeder into the Specialized High Schools (Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech…). Over 90% of Anderson students gain admission into Specialized High Schools. Anderson’s 6th grade will have two homerooms of about 32 students each. We expect the total student population in grades 6, 7, and 8 next year to be approximately 215 students. In Anderson K-8 this year, there are approximately 560 students. School Address: 100 West 77 Street, 10024. The phone number is: (212) 595-7193.

About the NEST Exam:

NEST+m is a Manhattan citywide Gifted and Talented school.  All students must take the entrance exam to be considered for admission into the Middle Grades. Below is a list of entrance exam dates and admissions events for the 2015-16 school year. Students in Grade 5 take this test for 6^th grade entry. The 6^th Grade admissions process begins with the electronic registration for the NEST+m Admissions Exam in September, and the test is in October. See more on the NEST+m website (www.nestmk12.net). On the day of the exam, please bring the following to the school in a manila folder to complete the admissions process.  (1) Copies of your child’s most recent report card, (2) Copies of the 4^t­­­­h grade NYS Exam in ELA/ Math or ERB, (3) Copy of your child’s end of the year 4^th grade report card, (4) Self-addressed stamped envelope. The nest exam testing is from February 2017 to March 2017. There are ANALOGIES and OLSAT-E (figural analogies, pattern matrices, figural analogies, logical reasoning, and arithmetic reasoning) type questions on the Nest Exam. The TACHS Ability section helps with the figural classifications. The school’s address is 111 Columbia Street, New York NY 10002. The phone number is: (212) 677-5190.

ACCELERATED MIDDLE SCHOOLS NYC

About Mark Twain:

Mark Twain (IS 239) Brooklyn, New York is a Gifted and Talented middle school and is known as a “feeder” into the specialized high schools. The entrance exam is extremely competitive; in 2010, 6,355 students sought admission for 450 freshmen seats. Students should start preparing early, ideally by the beginning of their 4th grade school year. For Mark Twain Entrance, students take an exam based on the “major” they want to specialize in while at this middle school. You can expect to see approximately thirty questions consisting of complex, multi-step mathematical problem solving, puzzle and logic questions, and pattern recognition. A thorough knowledge of K–5 math is assumed but questions go well beyond Common Core Standards. Also expect approximately twenty questions that ask applicants to demonstrate knowledge of basic computer skills and vocabulary, internet fluency, and familiarity with current technology issues. Applicants must demonstrate reading comprehension of a technical document. Finally, there are some questions that analyze “potential” programming ability featuring logical, sequential and iterative thinking. For the creative writing and journalism test, expect to see two parts. In part one (40%), applicants answer 40 multiple choice questions on a variety of topics including reading comprehension, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary. In part two (60%), applicants write an original composition (choice of two topics) that will be evaluated on development of ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, originality, creativity, writing mechanics, and use of conventions. The school’s address: 2401 Neptune Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224. The phone number is (718) 266-0814.

The Grade 5 Mark Twain Testing timeline is as follows:

• Sept — Submit request for Mark Twain’s Testing
• Sept — Mark Twain application available
• Early Oct — Mark Twain Open House
• Oct — Application info & handouts (for download)
• Nov/Dec — School choice applications deadline
• Nov/Dec — Application deadline Mark Twain
• Jan or Feb — Entrance Exam Mark Twain
• May — Results from Mark Twain Entrance Exam
• Admissions are based on exam score and school choice

ACCELERATED MIDDLE SCHOOLS NYC

About Q300:

The 30th Avenue School (“Q300”) is a Citywide Gifted and Talented school that admits students from any of the five boroughs of New York City and serves students in grades 6, 7 and 8. Students in grade 5 apply to this middle school. In 2015, 88% of the Q300 middle school students scored a 3 or 4 on the ELA, and a solid 91% of the student body scored a 4/4, placing Q300 as one of the ten best middle schools in NYC and the highest in all of School District 30. There are only 115 students at this school in total. The school’s address is 28-37 29th St, Queens, NY 11102. The phone number is: (718) 626-8502.300’

About Middle School Gifted and Talented Admissions:

• 35% NYS Test Scores from Grade 4 (ELA & Mathematics)
• 35% Report card grades (Grade 4 - ELA, social studies, mathematics, and science)
• 10% Attendance and Tardiness/Lateness
• 20% Academic Behaviors/ Teacher comments from Grade 4 report card
  
  

About P.S. 122:

P.S. 122 is a District Gifted and Talented Middle School, (not part of the 5 citywide) also known as the Academy for the Intellectually Gifted, that aims to maximize the degree of academic acceleration while providing a diverse array of enrichment opportunities and an emphasis on the physical, social, and emotional well-being of the exceptional students. Academic content work incorporates many opportunities to engage in problem-based learning (PBL), interdisciplinary projects, and teacher, as well as self/peer, assessments. Students will be selected based on ELA and Math Scores, attendance, lateness, and teacher comments regarding student work habits and behavior. This school is very highly rated and many kids from 122 get into Hunter. P.S. 122’s address is 2121 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105. Phone number: (718) 721-6410

About Scholars Academy:

Scholars Academy is a college preparatory school (grades 6-12) where students wear school uniforms. There are has 1300 middle and high school students. Students complete all their Regents requirements by 10^th grade and move on to advanced placement classes. Scholars boasts a 100% 4-year college acceptance rate. The school address is 3-20 Beach 104th St, Rockaway Park, NY 11694. Phone number: (718) 474-6917

ACCELERATED MIDDLE SCHOOLS NYC

About TAG Middle School:

TAG is a hidden jewel within the citywide gifted and talented options. To apply, you need a recommendation letter from your 4^th or 5^th grade teacher and 4/4 ELA and 4/4 Math Scores.  In 2016, 80 kids applied. 4 were accepted for September 2016 5^th grade entry. TAG also offers 6^th and 7^th grade entry. In 2016, TAG received a higher ranking than NEST+M middle school. TAG administers its own exam and interview. Two people interview each student; the following year’s teacher (grade 6 teacher will interview a grade 5 student) and advisor/class counselor. The TAG test is 3-hours long (which is just like the Hunter test). The TAG test is based on common core math and English, which is one full grade higher than the student’s current level. TAG offers an advisory class ever Wednesday and Robotics on Fridays. Every summer, students from TAG are required to complete 3 book reports, 2 science research reports, and 120 challenging math problems, all above grade level. TAG offers clubs such as Debate, Chess, and Latin Jazz Band. The address is 240 East 109th Street, New York, NY 10029 and the phone number is (212) 860-6003.

About the Brooklyn School of Inquiry:

Brooklyn School of Inquiry (also known as PS/IS 686), often referred to as BSI, serves students K-8. BSI is the only Citywide Gifted and Talented (G&T) program in Brooklyn and one of five in all of New York City. G&T programs are provided for students identified as gifted and talented by assessments that are administered by the New York City Department of Education (DOE). For the program, students are selected solely based on test scores. To be eligible for placement to Citywide G&T programs, students must score at or above the 97th percentile on the ELA and MATH state exams administered the year prior. The total number of students at BSI is 426. The school was founded in 2009. BSI’s address is 50 Avenue P, Benson Hurst, NY 11204.  Phone number is (718) 621-5730.

About East Side Middle School:

Getting into East Side Middle School is like winning the middle school lottery. This school, open to District 2 residents in Manhattan only, offers an outstanding, completely free, accelerated education along with numerous arts and technology programs for students in grades 6-8. East Side Middle has a separate entrance exam plus interview. Don’t bother applying if you have more than 7 absences. This school brings in book authors to read the books they wrote to students out loud and the ESM astronomy class brought in famous astronaut Michael Kelly. The School’s address is 331 E 91st St, New York, NY 10128. Phone number (212) 360-0114.

ACCELERATED MIDDLE SCHOOLS NYC

About Lower Lab and the NYC Lab School:

Lower Lab provides creative instruction and lots of group work geared to the needs and interests of its gifted and talented (G&T) student population. Social studies lessons are the connective tissue of learning at Lower Lab; they are enriched through community partnerships at each grade level. First-graders learn about architecture and design in partnership with the Center for Architecture; 2nd-graders study buildings, bridges and landmarks in their local community. The Salvadori Center; 3rd-graders look at different cultures through dance and music at Symphony Space; and 4th-graders work with Wingspan Arts to develop dramatic presentations based on lessons in New York history. Lower Lab encourages participation in clubs and competitions including Math Olympiads for grades 4 and 5, the NYS Math League, the National Science Competition and CML coding (computer science.  Lab teaches students to debate in conjunction with persuasive writing in 5th grade and an author-in-residence works with 3rd-graders as they learn the art of revision in realistic fiction. All students receive instruction in art, music, chess, Spanish (grades k–2) and Latin (grades 3–5). Sixth graders at Lab can take Engineering courses! The entrance exam to Lab is as follows: There is a literary response as well as a required creative essay, long responses, short responses, and math problems involving logic. Teachers at Lab write their own math curriculum and therefore want to see strong math performers. Lab also has a required collaborative group activity.  3000 students applying for 190 places in the 6th grade and with approximately 3000 students applying for 136 places in the 9th grade. Lab Middle and Lab High are two discrete schools, and students who are accepted to Lab Middle School are not automatically admitted to Lab high school. Lab high school gives priority to applicants from district 2. Admission into the 6th grade is based on an entrance exam consisting of one page of mathematics problems and an essay. The Lab test takes place at the end of January, the same week the NYS regents exams are given. There are 1056 students in total. The address is: 333 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011. The Phone number is: (212) 691-6119

About the Salk School of Science: 

Salk is well known for development of abilities in, the sciences, particularly the medical and biological sciences. Science and math are specialties at the school, including special classes for it and after-school programs. The school's nontraditional discovery-based learning methodology has been cited as resulting in improved cognitive and reasoning skills in students^. Members of the New York medical community work with the school to develop curriculum, and members of the Schools of Medicine and New York University School of Dentistry teach and mentor students in grades 6 through 8. The NYU Medical Center makes facilities available to the school, and members of the science faculty of the NYU School of Medicine review school students at certain points in their school career, notably at admission and graduation. The school’s address is 320 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003. Phone: (212) 614-8785.

ACCELERATED MIDDLE SCHOOLS NYC

About Russell Sage JHS 190 Honors Classes:

As of 2017, there are 5 “honors” classes at Russell Sage JHS 190 in the 6^th grade. They are classes 6A1, 6S1, 6G1, 6R1, and 6E1. All honors classes are now required to take the NYS regents exams in three subjects: Algebra 1 (Common Core), US History, and Living Environment in the 8^th grade. There are four “honors” classes in the 8^th grade. They are: 8s1, 8a1, 8g1, and 8e1. The new Principal, Grecco, has launched an initiative to put every Russell Sage honors student on track to take three Regents exams by June of 8^th grade, encouraging students to get a head start on Regents requirements before they start high school.  The school’s address is 68-17 Austin Street and the phone number is: (718) 830-4970.

About Halsey JHS 157 Honors Classes:

As of 2017, there are 7 “honors” classes at Halsey:  621, 622,623, 624, 625, 626, and 627. The same “21-27” applies to 7^th grade and then the honors classes drop down to only three in the 8^th grade. Thanks to the A+ principal, all Halsey honors classes are now required to take the NYS regents exams in three subjects: Algebra 1 (Common Core), US History, and Living Environment in the 8^th grade. Halsey is, in my opinion, simply amazing. The school’s principal, Suraci, has successfully created a warm, friendly, learning environment and the school even offers weekly evening ESL classes for parents of Halsey students. The school’s address is 63-55 102nd St, Rego Park, NY 11374, and the phone number is (718) 830-4910.

ACCELERATED MIDDLE SCHOOLS NYC

About Louis Armstrong Middle School - MS 227:

Armstrong Students who score high 3’ or 4/4 on ELA and Math state exams in Grade 7 are eligible to take regents classes in Math and science in grade 8. The “big” division between regular and honors takes place based on grade 7 state scores. The school’s address is 32-02 Junction Blvd (32 Ave) Jackson Heights, NY 11372. Their phone number is: (718) 335-7500.

Success Academy Charter Schools:

Success Academy offers an Incredible line of charter schools with accelerated learning and long class days, but you must apply for entry as early as pre-K to 2^nd grade to get a spot in their middle school. Class days are 9 hours long and students dismiss early on Wednesday for staff development. Success doesn’t follow the DOE break and vacation schedule so be prepared to have spring break in March not April and to not have president’s “week” off. There are only 25 students per class. The school uses printed packets not textbooks. I have seen the homework material and its hard! Levels in class are above what’s expected per grade. Somehow these schools got it right; success Academy Charters score among the highest in ELA and Math in NYS. The downside is there seems to be an ongoing feud with the Success Academy founder and director, Eva Moskowitz, and Mayor Bill Deblasio to offer permanent class locations throughout New York City.