HIGH SCHOOL ACCESS

Admission to one of New York City’s eight specialized high schools is determined solely by the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT)—a competitive exam that requires rigorous preparation.

The underrepresentation of Black and Latino students in specialized high schools is not due to their inability to pass the SHSAT. The problem is that they are often not introduced to the necessary advanced curriculum in time to achieve successful results on the test. Navigate’s Accelerated Learning Program bridges this gap by ensuring students receive the instruction and practice they need to be fully prepared.

High School Admissions Program

Sometimes, a specialized high school is not the best fit, or a student will not gain admission into a specialized school. At Navigate, we ensure that our students have strong options that align with their academic and personal goals so that every student will be placed in a high-performing school that is the right fit for them. Regardless of the outcome, our focus is on expanding opportunities and ensuring that every student is set up for long-term success. That is why we also assist students with the selective high school admissions process, which varies across different schools.

Year-round SHSAT Preparation

Spring Program

During the spring, Navigators commit to weekly Saturday tutoring and enrichment, where they develop critical math and ELA skills. Our structured approach ensures students build a strong foundation in the concepts tested on the SHSAT, giving them the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed.

Summer Program

Our five-week summer program provides an intensive academic experience designed to strengthen skills that are often briefly covered or completely omitted from traditional school curricula. Students engage in:

• • Reading comprehension and grammar – Analyzing poetry, fiction, and nonfiction while learning essential grammar rules and improving writing clarity

• • Math – Mastering algebra, geometry, and advanced arithmetic

• • Essay writing – Preparing for selective high schools that require essays

• In addition to academics, our holistic approach includes:

• • Mindfulness classes – Build focus and resilience

• • High School Exploration Workshop – Current Navigate high school students return to share their experiences and advice

• • A volunteer project – Navigators teach younger students math through play, reinforcing their own skills while giving back

Building Independence, Confidence, and Having Fun

Navigators also participate in “Fun Fridays,” where they travel by public transportation to a new destination each week, including escape rooms, trampoline parks, movies, and NYC’s Beat the Bomb. Learning to navigate the city independently is an essential skill for high school success, and these experiences help students build confidence in commuting beyond their neighborhoods. And most importantly—we have fun doing it!

Fall SHSAT Prep: The Final Stretch

The fall of eighth grade is a critical time, as students make their final preparations for the SHSAT. During this period, Navigators take weekly full-length practice tests and have access to one-on-one tutoring for individualized support.

High School Admissions Counseling

Each student meets with a High School Admissions Counselor three times throughout the process for the purpose of:

1. • Exploring options – Considering what they want in a high school

2. • Matching schools – Reviewing recommendations from the counselor and incorporating family preferences

3. • Finalizing choices – Creating a well-balanced high school application list

At Navigate, we do not just prepare students for the SHSAT—we prepare them for high school and beyond. Through rigorous academic training, social and emotional learning, and real-world skill-building, we ensure that every student has the tools and confidence to excel in a specialized high school and in life.