Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has unveiled a new education proposal aimed at overhauling New York City’s long-debated Gifted and Talented (G&T) program. The plan calls for phasing out the program in early grades (kindergarten through second) and restructuring it to begin starting from third grade.
Mamdani’s proposal seeks to make advanced academic opportunities more equitable and reflective of students’ developing abilities. He argued that testing and placement at such early ages often favor children from families with greater access to resources, creating what he described as “a system of privilege disguised as merit.”
Under the proposed model, assessments for the G&T program would take place later in a student’s academic journey — allowing schools to better identify talent across all communities. Mamdani also emphasized expanding enrichment opportunities within regular classrooms to ensure all children receive access to advanced learning materials.
The proposal has sparked mixed reactions among educators and parents. Supporters say it would reduce early academic segregation and promote fairness, while critics warn it could weaken programs that nurture high-achieving students from an early age.
Education remains one of the key issues in the 2025 New York City mayoral race, with candidates offering varying visions for reforming one of the nation’s largest public school systems.
