Adams, Banks to expand Gifted and Talented programs in schools
Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks on Thursday announced the expansion of the New York City public school’s Gifted and Talented program serving elementary school students — a program that former Mayor Bill de Blasio wanted to eliminate.
Mayor Adams and Chancellor Banks are adding 100 kindergarten seats and 1,000 third-grade seats, expanding both entry points to all districts.
Through this expansion and updates to the admission process, the city’s Gifted and Talented program will serve every community citywide for the first time. Applications for both programs open on May 31.
“Expanding our Gifted and Talented program to all New York City districts is about giving every child, in every zip code, a fair chance and making sure no child is left behind,” said Adams. “We’re doubling down on this administration’s commitment to our youngest New Yorkers by adding additional seats and removing inequities in the admission process to allow students throughout this city to gain access to accelerated learning.”