Cuomo plans to double NYC specialized high schools and establish a new one in Queens.
|

Cuomo plans to double NYC specialized high schools and establish a new one in Queens.

Independent mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo has announced an ambitious plan to enhance the educational landscape in New York City by advocating for the expansion of specialized high schools and the growth of gifted and talented programs. This initiative comes amid a contentious mayoral race, where education has emerged as a critical and divisive issue.

Cuomo’s campaign emerged as a direct response to remarks made by his primary opponent, Democratic frontrunner Zohran Mamdani. In a candidate survey conducted by the New York Times, Mamdani indicated his intention to eliminate admissions into the gifted and talented programs for kindergarteners. This controversial stance has reignited discussions surrounding the selective nature of these educational programs, which are designed to cater to advanced students in the city’s public schools.

In detailing his educational strategy, Cuomo partnered with Parent Leaders for Accelerated Curriculum and Education (PLACE NYC). A central aspect of his proposal includes the establishment of an additional specialized high school in Queens, which currently features only one such institution: the Queens High School for the Sciences. This school, however, offers a mere 130 new seats annually, a stark contrast to the larger specialized schools such as Brooklyn Technical High School and Bronx High School of Science, which respectively accommodate around 1,400 and 720 new students each year.

Cuomo aims to rectify this disparity by increasing the number of specialized seats in Queens to 1,000 and doubling the total number of specialized high schools across New York City from nine to 18. He emphasized the need for equitable access to educational opportunities, stating that every child should have the chance to achieve their full potential, regardless of their socioeconomic background. The proposed expansion not only seeks to alleviate the lengthy commutes—sometimes stretching to three hours—that many Queens students endure but also caters to the borough’s diverse population.

Yiatin Chu, co-president of PLACE NYC, echoed Cuomo’s sentiments, asserting that the plan addresses fundamental equity issues in the educational system, particularly in Queens, often overlooked in terms of access to advanced academic programs.

Cuomo’s educational reform agenda also includes proposals to modernize classrooms, expand P-TECH pathways, and eliminate underperforming schools by replacing them with charter and specialized education options. His approach represents a comprehensive strategy aimed at not only enhancing academic access but also aligning education with real-world job skills through improved teacher training.

In contrast, Mamdani’s previous advocacy for the elimination of the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) has evolved, as he now emphasizes the need to transform the underlying conditions affecting admissions rather than simply discarding the test. As the campaign progresses, education remains a focal point of debate, illustrating the differing approaches candidates are taking to one of the most pressing issues facing New York City’s future.

As the 2025 mayoral election approaches, the candidates’ contrasting visions for education will likely remain a pivotal topic for voters.

Originally published by Media News Source on October 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM EDT.

Similar Posts