District 28 admissions fair spotlights middle-school magnet programs and application basics

CEC District 28 hosted an online middle-school admissions fair bringing principals, guidance counselors, students and a Department of Education enrollment representative together to explain school programs and the city’s admissions process.

At the meeting, CEC President Quinton opened the session and set the format: timed seven-minute school presentations followed by a general Q&A. Principals and coordinators from neighborhood and magnet schools described academics, extracurriculars, support services and open-house schedules intended to help families rank programs on their MySchools applications.

Jim Harrell, principal of Queens Collegiate, said the school is "a home for every learner," noting it serves grades 6–12, does not require an entry test, and emphasizes reading (students in grades 6–8 are asked to read about 3,000 pages per year) and college preparatory pathways. He cited a 90% high-school graduation rate and said the school offers seven AP courses and more than 30 sports and clubs.

Presenters from magnet programs, including MS 358’s STEM/STEAM program and NewPrep (MS 8), highlighted project-based learning, frequent field trips and arts and sports opportunities. MS 358 leaders told families that the school received about 600 first-choice applications for roughly 100 sixth-grade seats this year and encouraged interested families to attend open houses.

York Early College Academy’s guidance staff explained that the school’s 6–12 model lets students earn college credits while in high school; presenters said cohort graduates have earned up to 60 college credits through partnerships and dual-enrollment opportunities. Russell Sage and Halsey principals described accelerated regents tracks that allow many students to take high-school exams in eighth grade.

Officials also emphasized supports for multilingual learners and students with IEPs. Dr. Blake, superintendent for District 28, said the district has piloted inclusive programs for autism supports and affirmed the district’s commitment to accessibility and multiple pathways.

The session concluded with instructions for families about how to follow up: slide decks and the recorded meeting will be posted on the CEC 28 website and presenters were invited to share materials in the chat for posting.

The most immediate next steps for families: review schools’ posted slides and open-house dates, make screenshots of presentation contact information, and prepare or update MySchools applications before the DOE deadline.