Special Music School: admissions and school facts
Special Music School (DBN 03M859) is a New York City public high school in Lincoln Square, Manhattan with one admissions program. Admission: Audition. Its average SAT is 1180 (2024-25), against a median of 871.5 across NYC high schools. 98% of students graduate in four years.
- Programs
- 1
- Average SAT
- 1180
- NYC median 871.5
- 4-year graduation
- 98%
- College and career rate
- 90%
- Students
- 322
- Applicants per seat
- 4
Free. Enter your academic group and borough, and the estimate takes your priorities into account.
How to get in
Seats and applicants are from the DOE directory for the Fall 2025 admissions round. Rules can change: confirm them on MySchools.
AuditionA85A
Focus: Performing Arts
Admission is by audition or portfolio: the school reviews the child's work and ranks applications. Grades and test scores usually count for less.
39 seats · 151 applicants · 4 per seat
Audition or portfolio: Students are ranked by the school based on their auditions. Offers are made in priority group and rank order.
About the school
SMS is a public school for musically gifted students. The school admits 50 students per grade and combines rigorous academics with intensive music study. The school is a partnership between Kaufman Music Center and the NYCDOE. Our mission is to develop students who have the skills, competencies, and knowledge necessary for successful 21st Century music careers. The 21st Century musician can analyze, compose, and perform music at the highest level, has a strong sense of one's own artistic voice, and is fluent in current music technologies. They possess strong academic knowledge, skills, and habits, and is also community-minded, inventive, and resourceful. Special Music School has two campuses. The HS is located at 122 Amsterdam Avenue.
Courses and languages
Languages: Spanish
AP courses (8): Biology, Calculus AB, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Music Theory, Physics 1, United States Government and Politics, United States History
Sports and clubs
Girls: Badminton, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Flag Football, Handball, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, Wrestling
Boys: Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Handball, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Volleyball, Wrestling
Clubs: Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
Students
- Girls
- 52%
- English language learners
- 1%
- Students with disabilities
- 16%
- Economic need index
- 34%
- Asian
- 20%
- Black
- 6%
- Hispanic
- 20%
- White
- 34%
- Multi-racial
- 19%
- Native American
- 0%
What the school community says
Share of positive answers in the 2026 NYC School Survey. This is a DOE survey, not a rating from us.
- Students feel safe
- 92%
- Rigorous instruction
- 75%
- Supportive environment
- 69%
- Family and community ties
- 94%
Location and getting there
- Address
- 129 West 67 Street, New York, NY 10023
- Neighborhood
- Lincoln Square
- Subway
- 1 to 66th St-Lincoln Center; 2, 3 to 72nd St; A, B, C, D to 59th St
- Bus
- BxM2, M10, M104, M11, M20, M5, M57, M66, M7, M72
- School hours
- 8:00 AM – 3:05 PM
- Building access
- Partially Accessible
Where to check and ask
Common questions
How do you get into Special Music School?
Special Music School admits students through: Audition. Families apply by ranking programs on one MySchools application; the application closes December 4, 2026 for fall 2027 entry.
How competitive is Special Music School?
In the Fall 2025 round the school’s programs had 4 applicants per seat. Your real chance also depends on your priority group and admissions method.
What is the average SAT at Special Music School?
The average SAT was 1180 in 2024-25, compared with a median of 871.5 across NYC high schools (DOE data, students who took the test).
What is the graduation rate at Special Music School?
98% of students graduate in four years, and the college and career rate is 90% (DOE Fall 2025 directory).
Where is Special Music School and how do you get there?
The school is at 129 West 67 Street, Manhattan. Subway: 1 to 66th St-Lincoln Center; 2, 3 to 72nd St; A, B, C, D to 59th St. Bus: BxM2, M10, M104, M11, M20, M5, M57, M66, M7, M72.
Other high schools nearby
Sources: NYC DOE Fall 2025 admissions directory, DOE InfoHub demographics 2025-26, SAT 2024-25, NYC School Survey. School Match is not affiliated with NYC Public Schools. How we calculate chances, and how accurate they are