5 New NYC Public Schools Will Open This Fall: See Where

NEW YORK CITY — New York City is set to open five new schools in time for the 2026-27 academic year.

The new schools will open in the Bronx and Queens.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said the new schools will 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,” Mamdani 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.”

The five new schools opening in September 2026 are:

Academy of Cultural Excellence: Long Island City, Queens

Serving Pre-K through fifth grade in District 30 in Long Island City, the Academy of Cultural Excellence will offer project-based learning and arts integration.

Students will engage in real-world learning that builds critical thinking, creativity and confidence, officials said.

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 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.

"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," New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels said