Parents Eye Private Schools as City Cuts Gifted Programs

New York parents feel uneasy about Mayor Mamdani’s plan to end gifted programs for kindergartners in public schools. The move has sparked a surge of interest in private schools, where parents already invest heavily in tutoring and networking to secure spots. Some families have formed online groups to share frustrations over wait‑lists and rejections, calling the admissions process “a bloodbath. ” Mamdani says early testing creates inequality, so he supports phasing out the program for new students while keeping it for those already enrolled. Critics warn that cutting these opportunities could hurt high‑achieving children, especially from low‑income families.

In response, private kindergarten applications rose 25 percent this cycle, partly because the pandemic baby boom increased demand. A consultant noted that parents worried about Mamdani’s victory are now turning to private schools, even though the Upper East Side voted for his opponent. Another admissions expert pointed out that new state rules limiting class sizes to 25 students may force families in affluent areas to send their kids outside their local schools. She said this could push parents further toward private options, as they fear losing the “buy‑in” of a good school zone. The mayor’s office has not commented on the growing debate.

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