Confident and Prepared: Guiding Your Child Through 2026 High School Admissions

High school admissions can feel overwhelming but you don’t have to go through it alone. With new changes in 2026, from digital testing to more competitive expectations, families are facing challenges that can seem daunting. The good news? With the right support, your child can approach this journey with clarity, confidence, and even excitement. Our goal is to give you the tools, strategies, and encouragement you need to help your child not only prepare, but truly thrive.

By: Christine Carroll, EdS
Published: September 2025

Why 2026 Feels Different

Every year, high school admissions in NYC bring stress and uncertainty, but 2026 adds new challenges.

• Digital-first testing: The SHSAT has fully transitioned to a computer-based format, with adaptive testing coming in 2026.
• Competitive edge: More families are investing in early prep, which raises the bar for students.
• Holistic reviews: Many Catholic and private schools are looking beyond scores, placing greater weight on grades, conduct, and engagement.

Our goal is to help families face these changes with clarity, structure, and confidence.

Key Exams for 2026

• SHSAT – Admission to specialized public schools (e.g., Staten Island Tech, Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Tech). Now fully digital and preparing to move adaptive in 2026.
• TACHS – Required for Catholic schools like St. Peter’s, Moore Catholic, Monsignor Farrell, Notre Dame Academy, St. Joseph Hill, and St. Joseph by-the-Sea.
• HSPT / ISEE – Used by private schools such as Regis, Xavier, and Staten Island Academy. The HSPT is also used to award scholarships at many Catholic schools.

Key Change: Unlike previous years, families should expect admissions teams to weigh seventh-grade performance and authentic effort alongside test scores.

What to Do and When

6th Grade (2024–25) – Build foundations: reading stamina, math fluency, vocabulary.
7th Grade (2025–26) – Begin diagnostic testing, refine weak areas, and learn strategies.
8th Grade (2026) – Commit to structured prep: full-length exams, timed practice, and stress-management techniques.

With the digital SHSAT and evolving expectations, students need not just content knowledge, but also comfort with test platforms and adaptive strategies.

SHSAT vs. TACHS – 2026 at a Glance

Beyond the Score: Finding the Right Fit

The right high school for your child isn’t just about prestige. It’s about where they’ll thrive, grow, and prepare for the next stage of life.

Ways families can explore schools in 2026:

• Use the Archdiocese handbook (released August 1) and the NYC MySchools site.
• Attend open houses, plays, sports events, and showcases to get a feel for culture.
• Schedule shadow days for first-hand experience.
• Match schools with your child’s strengths and interests—STEM, arts, finance, honors, and more.

Tutoring by Christine: Confidence, Strategy, Growth

At Tutoring by Christine, we help students meet 2026’s challenges with:

• Targeted review in reading, grammar, and math
• Digital practice exams and timed drills
• Stress-reduction strategies tailored for test day
• In-depth error analysis to turn mistakes into progress

Students don’t just practice, they build confidence and resilience.

Expert Advice from Admissions Leaders

In our webinar, Jessica Vulpis, Director of Admissions at Notre Dame High School, shared what admissions teams value most in 2026:

• Consistent seventh-grade performance
• School engagement and upward growth
• Authentic effort and self-motivation

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Tutoring by Christine offers flexible options for families preparing for 2026 admissions:

• TACHS & SHSAT prep courses (summer, fall, and year-round)
• Foundational courses in reading, writing, and math
• Private tutoring designed to strengthen executive functioning and test confidence

Together, we can reduce the stress and set your student up for success in 2026 and beyond.

Don’t Miss Our live webinar.
Join Christine Carroll as she shares strategies, insights, and practical tools to help families navigate the road ahead.