Manhattan High Schools to Prioritize Local Students in Admissions

New policy sets aside 75% of seats at six competitive schools for borough residents, aiming to balance local access and diversity.

Six high-demand Manhattan high schools will reserve 75% of seats for borough students starting next admissions cycle.
The change comes after Manhattan parents lobbied for local admissions preferences, citing long commutes and low acceptance rates.
Critics argue the policy could hinder diversity efforts, despite assurances that the demographic impact will be minimal.
Former Mayor de Blasio had removed similar preferences to promote racial and economic integration in schools.
Education officials claim the new policy is a compromise, maintaining some seats for students from other boroughs.