Resource | Focus on Fairness: Middle & High School Admissions Campaign

Introduction

New York City’s middle and high school admissions processes have long posed barriers for under-resourced and historically marginalized communities. As families navigate a complex and often inequitable system, transparency, fairness, and real support are more critical than ever.

A new set of recommendations, developed by the High School Application Advisory Committee convened by the Feerick Center for Social Justice at Fordham Law School, offers a clear path forward. The resource outlines practical, equity-focused changes to help ensure all students and families, regardless of background, can access educational opportunities without navigating unnecessary complexity or exclusionary screening practices.

From making middle school screen eliminations permanent, to demanding standardized, transparent criteria in high school admissions, to investing in guidance and after-school support, the recommendations aim to reshape admissions so they work for every family in NYC.

Download the Resource