NYC Mayoral Race Spotlight: Toddlers and the Future of Gifted-and-Talented Programs

New York City’s largest school district is abuzz over Zohran Mamdani’s proposal to reduce the city’s cherished gifted-and-talented program, sparking heated debates among parents and educators.

One school at the center of the discussion is Anderson Public School, located in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Known for its accelerated learning environment, Anderson is not your typical public school. Parents like Panurach and his wife hope to enroll their children there to ensure they receive an education tailored to early intellectual promise.

Anderson’s program is among the most sought-after in the city, catering to children who demonstrate exceptional talent from an early age. Acceptance is highly competitive: only a select few 4- and 5-year-olds are admitted after impressing district interviewers or earning strong recommendations from their preschool teachers.

The K–8 school is widely recognized for nurturing students with “superior intellectual potential” and preparing them for admission to the city’s top high schools. With the mayoral campaign now highlighting potential changes to gifted-and-talented programs, parents and educators alike are closely watching how these policies might reshape New York’s educational landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Zohran Mamdani’s plan to reduce gifted-and-talented programs has drawn significant criticism.
• Anderson Public School in Manhattan is a leading institution for gifted children.
• Admission to Anderson is competitive, based on talent assessments and teacher recommendations.
• The K–8 school has a strong track record of sending students to top high schools.
• Changes to gifted-and-talented programs could have far-reaching effects on New York City’s education system.