G&T Testing Is Underway - Here's What You Need To Know

Photo by City Kid Corner

Thousands of incoming kindergartners, first graders, second graders, and third graders have begun the process to compete for a coveted spot at one of New York City’s Gifted & Talented (G&T) programs.

Parents can submit Request for Testing (RFT) forms starting Wednesday, October 7, through Monday, November 9. Prepping a child for an hour-long, multiple choice test is stressful enough, so we’ve jotted down a few pointers to make the G&T admissions process a little bit easier.

What Are G&T Programs?

Gifted & Talented programs are how the NYC Department of Education (DOE) supports the needs of exceptional students. G&T programs aim to deliver accelerated, rigorous, and specialized instruction aligned with Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS).

There are two types of G&T programs:

District G&T programs. These are located in district elementary schools; they begin in kindergarten and end in the school’s terminal grade.

Citywide G&T programs. These admit students from all boroughs without district-based priority.

To qualify for one of these programs, students must take a two-part test designed to evaluate things like abstract reasoning, critical thinking, problem-solving, and verbal reasoning.

How To Apply

You can submit the RFT forms online, or in person. If you are unable to submit an application online, a paper copy of the RFT form can be found at the end of the handbooks listed here; then, current public school families who are requesting testing must submit the form to your current school, while non-public and charter school families submit the form to a local Family Welcome Center, found in the G&T Handbook.

Pro tip: Whether you submit the RFT form online or in person, be sure to get a receipt!

How To Prepare

Application guidelines and practice tests are available in the 2016 New York City Gifted & Talented Handbooks. Handbooks for students born in 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008 are available online and in translation in the following languages:

English and translated handbooks are also available at pre-kindergarten programs, elementary schools, and Family Welcome Centers.

Questions?

For more information, check out the G&T Score Report FAQs for details about programs and admissions. You can also join one of the DOE’s information sessions, which are listed here. Sign up for G&T email updates here.

Finally, if you’re still baffled, call the DOE’s Office of Assessment at 212-374-6646, or email ServiceCenter@schools.nyc.gov.