Admission Process
How do you become a City Honors at Fosdick-Masten Park student?
Note: City Honors is a Buffalo Public School. You must be a resident of Buffalo to be considered for admissions.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for students who get good grades -- all or most grades are A's or 90's (in both grades 7 and 8 for those applying to grade 9); whose teachers recommend them for working hard (effort), who cooperate, have good study skills, and a good attitude; and students who do well (above average) on standardized tests -- the state tests taken in grades 3 through 8. We are also looking for students with good writing skills.
It is strongly suggested students possess a minimum performance score of three on both the NYS Math and ELA Assessments prior to participating in this admission process. Families at schools that do not participate in NYS Assessments should consult with their school counselor for standardized testing conversions.
Why do you need to be a good student before coming to City Honors?
Because when you come to City Honors you will “hit the ground running”. You will move faster through work and have more reading, math and projects than you might have in another program. In high school you will take English, Social Studies, Math and Science courses that can give you college credit if you do well. These are called Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses and everyone takes them.
How do you apply?
City Honors is a test-based Magnet School for students in grades 5 through 12. You must take an admission test and submit other materials for evaluation. The test is a paper and pencil test. It measures thinking and problem solving skills, not academic subject material such as math, reading, etc. Students will also be asked to write an essay.
When does testing take place?
For the 2008-2009 school year, testing takes place on the following dates:
October 6, 2007 Incoming grades 7, 8, and 9
October 13, 2007 Incoming grades 5 and 6
November 3, 2007 Make-up testing for grades 5 through 9
Where does testing take place?
Testing takes place at City Honors, which is located at 186 East North Street.
You must complete a School Application. The application is available from:
City Hall, Room 717 (School Placement Office) for incoming grades 5 through 8
City Hall, Room 727 for students entering grade 9
School Guidance Counselor for students entering grade 9
The application for grades 5 through 8 will be available through your child's present school or the Placement Office (see above)
Applications are available at City Honors on the day of testing as well
Then what happens?
A portfolio is made for each candidate and is reviewed by a committee which uses the thresholds set by the Board of Education in several categories.
A completed portfolio consists of:
- the entrance exam test score
- the essay score, written on the day of the test
- school records, including grades and standardized test scores
- a teacher recommendation -- a separate form for grades 5 through 8
. It is included on the application for grade 9.
- your application
Failure to supply all information will result in an incomplete folder and deny your entrance into City Honors School.
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