Advocacy Briefing | Student Assignment to Public Middle Schools in NYC

Introduction

For years, public discussion in New York City framed school segregation as a reflection of segregated neighborhoods. But in 2013, New York Appleseed challenged that view, showing how school choice policies—not geography—often determine who attends which schools. This dynamic is even more pronounced in the city’s middle schools, where only 17 percent are zoned. The rest rely on complex choice systems and “screening” mechanisms that sort students based on criteria like grades, attendance, or perceived aptitude. These practices contribute to deep inequities and racial stratification across the school system.

To support a growing public debate on middle school admissions, New York Appleseed partnered with volunteers at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP to produce a detailed issue briefing. The document outlines the use of screening and zoning across all NYC middle school districts, offering data and analysis that can guide future policy. As New York continues to grapple with segregation, this resource provides clarity on how admissions practices work—and what must change to move toward a more equitable system.

Download the Briefing Here