Specialized High School Dreams Require More Than Practice. They Require a Plan.
Diagnostic-driven preparation, targeted instruction, strategic practice, and measurable progress for students preparing for New York City’s Specialized High Schools Admissions Test.
Start Where the Student Is—and Build Toward What Comes Next.
Grade 6 — Build the Foundation
Strengthen mathematics, reading comprehension, analytical thinking, grammar, vocabulary, and independent learning habits.
Grade 7 — Develop SHSAT Readiness
Introduce SHSAT-aligned reasoning, targeted skill development, complex problem-solving, assessment strategies, and progress monitoring.
Grade 8 — Intensive Exam Preparation
Focus on targeted remediation, adaptive-test familiarity, digital practice, time management, strategic decision-making, and exam readiness.
First-time Grade 9 test takers: Eligible students may request an individualized readiness conversation.
Diagnose • Educate • Bridge the Gap
We use learning evidence to identify priorities, deliver focused instruction, analyze errors, and monitor what the student should do next.
Skills, Strategy, and Digital-Test Readiness
English Language Arts
- Reading comprehension
- Revising and Editing
- Evidence-based reasoning
- Vocabulary and language conventions
Mathematics
- Ratios and proportional reasoning
- Expressions, equations, and inequalities
- Statistics and probability
- Geometry and measurement
- Multistep quantitative reasoning
Strategic Preparation
- Computer-adaptive behavior
- Navigation limitations
- Technology-enhanced items
- Timed practice and pacing
- Error analysis and targeted review
Preparing for the Current Computerized SHSAT
The current SHSAT includes 50 ELA questions and 50 Mathematics questions with a standard testing time of 180 minutes. Students must respond before advancing, and backward navigation is limited. Preparation should include careful decision-making, digital tools, technology-enhanced items, stamina, and accuracy—not paper-test habits alone.
One Test. Eight Distinct School Experiences.
Families rank the testing Specialized High Schools during SHSAT registration. A strong preference list should reflect the student’s interests, learning environment, commute, and long-term goals—not reputation alone.
Bronx High School of Science
75 West 205 Street, Bronx
Explore: Extensive science, mathematics, humanities, research, academic teams, arts, athletics, and a wide range of student clubs.
View the official school profile →High School of American Studies at Lehman College
2925 Goulden Avenue, Bronx
Explore: A smaller college-campus setting with a strong American history and humanities focus alongside mathematics, science, English, and Spanish.
View the official school profile →Brooklyn Technical High School
29 Fort Greene Place, Brooklyn
Explore: Engineering and technology foundations followed by specialized majors that may include aerospace, architecture, biological sciences, mathematics, computing, design, law, and research.
View the official school profile →The Brooklyn Latin School
223 Graham Avenue, Brooklyn
Explore: A classical liberal-arts curriculum with Latin, Socratic discussion, humanities, mathematics, sciences, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
View the official school profile →Stuyvesant High School
345 Chambers Street, Manhattan
Explore: Broad advanced study across mathematics, science, computer science, humanities, research, world languages, arts, and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
View the official school profile →High School for Mathematics, Science and Engineering at City College
240 Convent Avenue, Manhattan
Explore: Math, science, and engineering concentrations with advanced mathematics, computer science, architecture, robotics, digital systems, research, and humanities.
View the official school profile →Queens High School for the Sciences
165-15 88 Avenue, Queens
Explore: A smaller STEM-centered college-preparatory environment with advanced science and mathematics, research, computer science, humanities, and college-level opportunities.
View the official school profile →Staten Island Technical High School
485 Clawson Street, Staten Island
Explore: Engineering, robotics, science, mathematics, technology, humanities, world-language study, technical electives, arts, athletics, and student organizations.
View the official school profile →Help Your Child Build a Thoughtful Preference Order
Compare program fit, school size, travel time, accessibility, clubs, athletics, support services, and the courses your child genuinely wants to study. NYCPS makes offers using SHSAT score and the student’s ranked preferences, subject to available seats.
What about LaGuardia? Fiorello H. LaGuardia is the ninth Specialized High School, but it does not use the SHSAT. Students apply through auditions for Dance, Drama, Fine & Visual Art, Instrumental Music, Technical Theater, or Vocal Music and must meet the stated academic requirement.
A Clearer Plan for Students and Families
Readiness and Progress
Families receive clear discussions about strengths, priority skills, learning habits, and recommended next steps. Progress is reviewed through appropriate learning evidence; outcomes are never guaranteed.
High School Admissions Guidance
Support can include specialized-high-school planning, family questions, testing timelines, and connections between academic preparation and the broader Road to High School™ pathway.
Bring Purposeful SHSAT Readiness to Your Students.
D.E.Bs works with schools, YMCA programs, community organizations, and funded academic initiatives. A configurable 10-week model may combine readiness intake, targeted instruction, family communication, and progress checkpoints based on the partner’s goals and confirmed scope.
Prepare With Purpose. Build Skills. Bridge the Gap.
Begin with the appropriate readiness conversation so the student’s next step is based on evidence—not guesswork.