Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels today announced the opening of five new schools for the 2026-27 academic year across the Bronx and Queens, marking a first step toward expanding access to high-quality education.
The new schools aim to increase seat capacity in neighborhoods with historical overcrowding and increase access to District 75 seats closer to home.
"Innovation, excellence and art are woven into the fabric of this city - they define what it means to be a New Yorker," said Mayor Mamdani. "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."
"Our new schools reflect a bold commitment to expanding access to high-quality, rigorous learning experiences for every student, in every neighborhood," said New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar 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. This is how we build a stronger, more equitable future for New York City."
The five new schools opening in September 2026 are:
Academy of Cultural Excellence
Serving Pre-K through fifth grade in District 30 in Long Island City, the Academy of Cultural Excellence centers student voice, community and academic rigor. Through project-based learning, arts integration and culturally responsive practices, students engage in real-world learning that builds critical thinking, creativity and confidence.
Bronx School of Arts & Exploration
Located in the Highbridge/South Crotona section of the Bronx, this District 75 school serves 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
Serving grades nine through 12 in District 9 in the Claremont section of the Bronx, this high school uses hip-hop culture as a foundation for rigorous instruction. Students study emceeing, DJing, graffiti, breaking and knowledge of self while connecting academic content to real-world experiences. Coursework includes audio production, digital media and financial literacy, alongside the standard curriculum.
Queens Academy for Innovative Learning
The District 75 school in Astoria serves students with disabilities in grades six through 12. It emphasizes 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
Located in Woodside and 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.
