High School Admissions

PS 84 is focused on preparing students for success in high school and beyond. In addition to a high-quality, dynamic educational experience, successful navigation of the high school application process is critical to ensuring every student is matched with a high school where they will thrive.

At PS 84 we strive to demystify the high school search and application process by taking an intentional, gradual approach with our students. Our Middle School Guidance Counselor works with each student and their family individually to ensure students build applications that will yield optimal results. We use all three years of middle school to develop students’ familiarity with high school admissions processes and to prepare them for a successful transition to their next school.

  • Sixth Grade: The Middle School Guidance Counselor meets with classes several times over the course of the year to provide a generalized overview of the types of programs available and high school application processes.

  • Seventh Grade: The Middle School Guidance Counselor meets with small groups of students periodically throughout the year to help them identify their areas of interest, to consider preferences regarding school size and commute length, and to familiarize themselves with the various admissions pathways. This includes students determining whether or not they want to prepare to take the Specialized High School Achievement Test (SHSAT) in 8th grade.

  • Eighth Grade: The Middle School Guidance Counselor meets with students individually several times throughout the fall to ensure each student has any and all information needed about high schools that interest them, to determine students’ understand which admissions pathways are the best fit for each student’s academic profile, and to compile an informed, appropriate application. Additionally:

    • Our Middle School Guidance Counselor is also available to meet with parents/guardians to answer questions and provide support.

    • SHSAT prep classes are available to all interested students. PS 84 administers the SHSAT on-site for convenience and to reduce testing anxiety.

    • Students interested in applying to visual arts programs receive portfolio development support from our Art Teacher.

    • Students interested in instrumental and vocal auditions receive support from our Music Teachers.

    • Students and families are supported by our Middle School Guidance Counselor throughout the Wait List period should they choose seek admission to a school other than the program to which they were matched.

Where PS 84 Graduates Go

PS 84 is proud to send our graduates to the some of the most sought-after and prestigious high schools in New York City. More so, we are overjoyed to have each of our students matriculate into a new school environment where they will flourish!

In the most recent high school application cycle, the majority of PS 84 students were accepted at their top-choice high schools! Our students successfully navigated the SHSAT, art portfolio and audition admissions, academically screened admissions, essays, interviews, and more to gain acceptance at the following schools:

  • Brooklyn Latin School

  • Fiorello LaGuardia School of Music, Art & Performing Arts

  • Art and Design High School

  • Brooklyn High School of the Arts

  • Dr. Susan S. McKinney Secondary School of the Arts 

  • Frank Sinatra High School of the Arts

  • The High School of Fashion Industries

  • High School for Enterprise, Business, and Technology

  • Eleanor Roosevelt High School 

  • High School for Environmental Studies 

  • Benjamin Banneker Academy

  • International High School at Union Square

  • High School for Health Professions and Human Services

  • Aviation Career & Technical Education High School

  • Park Slope Collegiate

  • The Urban Assembly Early College High School of Emergency Medicine

  • Williamsburg Preparatory School

  • Brooklyn Preparatory High School

  • The Eagle Academy for Young Men II

  • Grover Cleveland High School

  • El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice

  • Urban Assembly Maker Academy

  • Motion Picture Technical High School 

  • The Williamsburg High School of Art and Technology 

  • FDNY - Captain Vernon A. Richard H.S. for Fire and Life Safety

  • East Williamsburg Scholars Academy

  • Lyons Community School

  • N.Y.C. Lab School for Collaborative Studies

  • Academy for Careers in Television and Film (ACTV) 

  • Urban Assembly New York Harbor School

  • Williamsburg High School for Architecture and Design