A previous version of this story ran in October 2019. It has been updated with new information for October 2020. While the Department of Education has yet to finalize policies for the Fall 2020 admissions cycle, schools that typically screen for academic performance may have different admissions criteria this year because of COVID-19

Here are some good middle school options that accept students from all over Manhattan. Also consider schools that are open to children citywide. This list does not include charter schools, which have a separate admissions process.

PS 184, Shuang Wen (grades pre-K-8) Lower East Side/District 1

Why we picked it: Dual language Mandarin program and strong record of achievement
Who gets in: Students are screened for grades, test scores and knowledge of Mandarin. Most come from District 1, but the middle school is open to students across Manhattan with priority to those who attend elementary school Mandarin dual language or bilingual programs, are learning English or who are proficient in both Mandarin and English.

MS 131, Sun Yat Sen Middle School (grades 6-8) Chinatown/District 2

Why we picked it: A Dual Language Mandarin program combined with solid academics
Who gets in: While most students who attend live in District 2, the Mandarin dual language program is open to students across Manhattan with priority to students who attend an elementary school Mandarin dual language program, are learning English or who are proficient in both Mandarin and English.

MS 247, Dual Language Middle School (grades 6-8) Upper West Side/District 3

Why we picked it: A tiny program dedicated to helping Spanish-speakers become more proficient in English while perfecting their native language.
Who gets in: Priority to students who attend elementary school Spanish dual language or bilingual programs, are learning English or who are proficient in both Spanish and English.

Lafayette Academy (grades 6-8), Upper West Side/District 3

Why we picked it: A French dual language program and strong leadership
Who gets in: While most students come from District 3, the French dual language program is open to students across Manhattan with priority to those who attend elementary school French dual language or bilingual programs, are learning English or who are proficient in both French and English.

Young Women’s Leadership School (grades 6-12), East Harlem/District 4

Why we picked it: A cheery all-girls school serving grades 6-12, where students get engaging instruction and lots of support from teachers
Who gets in: The school typically screens students based on academic performance.

Columbia Secondary School (grades 6-12), Harlem/District 5

Why we picked it: Academically challenging school that was founded with backing from Columbia University and offers instruction in engineering and philosophy in all grades.
Who gets in: The middle school grades are only open to students in districts 3 (with priority to those living above 96th street), 4, 5 and 6. The school typically screens students based on academic performance.