If you have heard that NYC G&T uses the NNAT® or OLSAT, that information is out of date. The current NYC Public Schools G&T page describes no test at any entry grade. There are two entry points: kindergarten, and grades 1 through 4.
Kindergarten: an evaluation, not a test
All children born in the eligible year can apply by listing G&T programs on the kindergarten application. Eligibility is decided after you apply.
- Children in NYC public pre-K, Pre-K Centers, community-based programs or charter schools are evaluated by their current pre-K teacher. Parents do not need to request this.
- Children in private or parochial pre-K, or not in school, are contacted by the Division of Early Childhood Education for an interview. Early childhood experts then nominate eligible applicants.
The nomination form looks at curiosity, approaches to learning (persistence, creativity, self-regulation), and social perception and self-direction.
Grades 1 through 4: report card grades
| Current school | How eligibility is decided |
|---|---|
| NYC public school | 3 or 4 in math, reading and writing on the most recent report card, and no 1 in math, reading, writing, social studies or science in any marking period this year |
| Charter, private or parochial | Email report card grades to ESEnrollment@schools.nyc.gov; grades are converted to a 1 to 4 scale |
| Homeschool | Email ESEnrollment@schools.nyc.gov in the spring with the 2nd or 3rd quarterly report |
Once a child is eligible, there is no ranking by grades. Students already in a district G&T program can apply only to citywide programs.
Eligible does not mean a seat
Offers depend on your choices, seats available and admissions priorities. All programs give priority to siblings of current students. Some give priority by district, but G&T programs do not give priority to zoned families. Some programs use Diversity in Admissions priorities. Not every eligible child gets an offer, and eligible families can join waitlists.
Questions NYC parents should ask
- Which G&T programs give priority to our district?
- Does my child's school report card use the 1 to 4 scale, and how are other grades converted?
- How does our pre-K teacher complete the nomination form?
- Which programs use Diversity in Admissions priorities?
Our broader questions to ask your school guide can help you plan that conversation.
How to prepare
There is nothing to drill for. For kindergarten, the evaluation looks for curiosity, persistence and independent problem solving in everyday classroom life. For grades 1 through 4, what counts is steady report card performance in math, reading and writing across the year.
Frequently asked questions
Does NYC still use a test for Gifted and Talented?
No. Kindergarten eligibility is based on a pre-K teacher evaluation or an interview, and eligibility for grades 1 through 4 is based on report card grades.
How is kindergarten G&T eligibility decided in NYC?
Children in NYC public pre-K, Pre-K Centers, community-based programs or charter schools are evaluated by their pre-K teacher. Children in private pre-K or not in school are interviewed by the Division of Early Childhood Education.
What grades does my child need for NYC G&T in grades 1 through 4?
Public school students need a 3 or 4 in math, reading and writing on the most recent report card, and no 1 in math, reading, writing, social studies or science in any marking period of the current year.
When are the NYC G&T application dates for fall 2027?
The kindergarten application runs December 9, 2026 to January 22, 2027, with offers March 30, 2027. The grades 1 through 4 application runs April 19 to May 7, 2027, with offers June 10, 2027.
Does G&T eligibility guarantee a seat in NYC?
No. Offers depend on your choices, available seats and admissions priorities such as siblings and district priority. Eligible families can join waitlists.
Can GateBuddy practice help with NYC G&T admissions?
No. NYC does not use a test for G&T, so test practice will not affect eligibility.
Preparing a young child, without the pressure.
NYC G&T does not use a test. Our guide covers habits that support curiosity and persistence at home, and what to skip.
Read the guide- NYC Public Schools: Gifted and Talented, including fall 2027 dates, eligibility, offers and appeals
- NYC Public Schools: G&T Enrollment, Apply Now