Grade 6
Strengthen the foundation.
Work with ratios, fractions and decimals; read longer texts closely; explain observations with evidence.
Explore Grade 6 topics ↗Learning pathways / Middle school
Grades 6–8. Build what's next.
A more confident school year starts with understanding the skills that matter.
Find grade-specific starting points, practical learning strategies, and original examples to help NYC middle school families navigate the transition toward high school.
Find your grade
Your middle school pathway.
Start with the grade that fits your student. Each stage strengthens the skills needed for the next.
Grade 7
Reason with confidence.
Connect proportional relationships, rational numbers, expressions and equations; analyze claims and supporting evidence.
Explore Grade 7 topics ↗Grade 8
Prepare for the transition.
Practice linear relationships, functions and geometric reasoning while building stronger reading, writing and study routines.
Explore Grade 8 planning ↗These are illustrative topic summaries, not a complete curriculum or a substitute for your school's instructional plan.
Learning center
Skills worth building.
Start with understanding, then practice. These areas support learning across classes.
Mathematics
Ratios and proportional reasoning, expressions and equations, geometry, and foundational algebra.
Try a worked example ↗Reading & ELA
Summarizing, making inferences, evaluating evidence, developing an argument and revising writing for clarity.
See a reading strategy ↗Science
Ask testable questions, interpret evidence, explain phenomena and communicate scientific ideas clearly.
Explore a science strategy ↗Genius Practice
A little practice goes a long way.
Try this Grade 7-level proportional reasoning problem. Focus on why the method works, not only on the answer.
A notebook pack costs $12 for 3 notebooks. What is the unit price?
Divide the total cost by the number of notebooks: 12 ÷ 3 = 4. Each notebook costs $4. To check, 3 × $4 = $12.
Reading strategy: What claim is the author making?
Identify the author's central claim, highlight a sentence that supports it, and explain in your own words how that evidence connects to the claim.
Science strategy: What makes evidence useful?
Look for measurable observations, repeatable procedures, and an explanation that connects the evidence to the question being investigated.
Genius Prep
Thinking ahead to high school?
The SHSAT is relevant for admission to certain specialized high schools. Students and families should check the current official admissions rules, testing timeline and eligibility before planning.
Review NYCPS specialized high school admissions ↗For NYC families
Support starts at home.
1
Choose a priority
Ask your child which topic feels least clear and focus on one small skill at a time.
2
Work through an example
Explain each step aloud or draw a simple visual before attempting a similar question alone.
3
Notice progress
Check what has become easier and what still needs practice, then revisit the skill later.
GENIUS.NYC is an independent learning resource and is not affiliated with NYC Public Schools or the New York State Education Department. Specific course sequences and school requirements may vary.