New York Performance Standards Consortium
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For Parents & Families

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

 Why the Consortium?

The New York Performance Standards Consortium is a group of 38 district schools in New York State, including neighborhood, International, alternative/transfer, Career and Technical Education (CTE), Early College, and 6-12 schools. These schools came together 25 years ago around the belief that there was a better way to understand what students know and can do than standardized tests. 

Consortium schools use our performance assessment system (PBATs) in place of most Regents exams through a waiver from the NYS Board of Regents. This allows Consortium schools to use engaging, original curriculum and assessments that better prepare students for college, careers & life after high school.

What Makes Consortium Schools Different?

Consortium schools focus on reading, writing, and discussion across content areas in every grade. All Consortium students prepare research papers and oral presentations (PBATs): 

  • Analytic essays on literature

  • Social studies research papers

  • Lab reports of original science experiments or engineering designs

  • Narratives of the process and solution of mathematical problem solving

Individual schools also add tasks in the arts, art criticism, World Language, internship, or other areas.

Graduation rates at Consortium schools are higher than DOE averages. A recent study of Consortium students attending City University of New York has testified to their success in college.

How do I enroll my child in a Consortium school?

Enrollment in NYC DOE Consortium high schools is overseen by the Office of Student Enrollment. 9th and 10th grade high school admissions are done via MySchools. Most Consortium high schools do not require additional application materials. Consortium Alternative/Transfer Schools have individualized admissions processes - contact each school directly for information on how to apply.

Which schools are in the Consortium?

Map of Consortium Schools

Open a map of Consortium schools

Open the Consortium school directory

Screened No Essay Required

Manhattan

Queens

 

Consortium Student Panel
Hear directly from students at a variety of different Consortium schools about their experiences, their reflections and their advice for students looking for a high school.

“My high school experience was so meaningful to me. I would just want every student to have that support that I had. I know that if I go back to my high school, as long as those teachers are still there, I know they will accept me with open arms”

- Consortium Graduate and CUNY Student

[The teachers and staff at my Consortium school] fought for their students like they were their kids. They found their interests. They had kids that never read a book since elementary school reading at their level.

- Consortium Transfer School Graduate