Zohran Mamdani, the democratic socialist and leading candidate in the New York City mayoral race, reportedly plans to phase out the Gifted and Talented program for elementary school students in NYC, the New York Post reports. This initiative represents a significant policy shift, reverting back to the approach taken by former Mayor Bill de Blasio during his final days in office in 2021.
Mamdani revealed his intention to abolish the program starting at the kindergarten level. While the gifted classes will continue for the current academic year, they are set to be discontinued starting fall next year. If elected, Mamdani intends to gradually eliminate specific gifted programs across the city’s elementary schools.
He described this move as a return to the previous policy before the gifted program’s expansion. Mamdani told the New York Times that his administration “would aim to make sure that every child receives a high-quality early education that nurtures their curiosity and learning.”
This proposal is expected to provoke strong reactions from parents, who are divided on the issue.
Danyela Souza, vice president of Manhattan’s Community Education Council 2 and a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, criticized the proposal, warning it could drive families away from the city’s public schools.
“Mamdani is eliminating opportunities for low and middle income students to access an advanced education,” Souza, a public school parent, told The Post. “He’s taking away opportunities from families who are not as fortunate as his family.”
