Class will be in session at five new NYC public schools that will open in September for the 2026-2027 academic year, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels announced on Tuesday.
The schools will open in Queens and the Bronx, including District 75 schools supporting students with disabilities in each of the two boroughs. Samuels said the new schools aim to increase seating in neighborhoods with schools that have historically had overcrowded classrooms.
District 75 is a specialized district that is not based on geography, but provides highly specialized instruction and support citywide for students with significant challenges, including autism spectrum disorders, cognitive delays, emotional disabilities and sensory impairments.
The openings also aim to have District 75 seats closer to students’ homes, according to Samuels.
“These schools are designed to meet the diverse needs of our communities, including creating seat capacity where needed, delivering innovative and culturally responsive instruction, and preparing students with the skills and confidence to succeed in college, careers, and beyond,” Samuels said. “This is how we build a stronger, more equitable future for New York City.”
Mamdani said the five new schools will have seats for students in all grades, from pre-K to 12.
“Innovation excellence and art are woven into the fabric of this city – they define what it means to be a New Yorker,” the mayor said. “It’s time our schools reflect that reality. Our students deserve the best. This fall, we’ll deliver it with five new public schools that serve students of all ages, expand access for students with disabilities and put the arts at the center of education.”
Samuels added that this year’s new schools “reflect a bold commitment to expanding access to high-quality, rigorous learning experiences for every student, in every neighborhood.”
Last year, NYC opened an additional handful of new schools in Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island in time for the 2025-2026 academic year.
New NYC public schools
These are the five new NYC public schools opening in September. Descriptions provided by the NYC Public Schools.
Academy of Cultural Excellence
District 30: Long Island City, Queens
Serving prekindergarten through fifth grade, the Academy of Cultural Excellence will center around student voice, community and academic rigor. Through project-based learning, arts integration and culturally responsive practices, students will engage in real-world learning that builds critical thinking, creativity and confidence.
Bronx School of Arts & Exploration
District 75: Highbridge and South Crotona, Bronx
The school will serve students with disabilities in kindergarten through eighth grade. Its arts-centered model integrates core academics with visual and performing arts, supporting communication, independence and academic growth through project-based learning and performance- based assessments.
The Bronx School of Hip-Hop
District 9: Claremont, Bronx
This unique high school will use hip-hop culture as a foundation for rigorous instruction. Students will study emceeing, DJing, graffiti, breaking and knowledge of self while connecting academic content to real-world experiences. Coursework to include audio production, digital media and financial literacy, alongside the standard curriculum.
Queens Academy for Innovative Learning
District 75: Astoria, Queens
The school will serve students with disabilities in grades 6-12. It will emphasize project-based learning, technology integration and individualized supports, including STEM exploration, community-based instruction and work-based learning to prepare students for life beyond the classroom.
West Q Elementary
District 24: Woodside, Queens
Serving kindergarten through fifth grade in District 24, West Q Elementary combines foundational literacy and math instruction with project-based learning. The school emphasizes hands-on investigation, community-connected projects and multilingualism as an asset for student success.