Fifth-graders unhappy with their middle school choices now have a few more options. The Department of Education announced several new middle school programs slated to open in September 2016.

Most of the options are not new schools, but rather new dual language programs opening in established middle schools. The one exception is the new Dock Street School for S.T.E.A.M. Studies in DUMBO, Brooklyn.

Applying to a new school will not override students' choices entered on the middle school applications they submitted last December. According to the DOE’s website, “students who receive a match from their new schools application will be able to choose between their new schools and main round matches in the spring.”

Students eligible to attend a new middle school program can request an application from their elementary school guidance counselor. Non-public school students can pick up an application at a Family Welcome Center. Applications are due by March 1.

Brooklyn

MS 113, Ronald Edmonds Learning Center is known for its performing arts classes in theater, dance, vocal music and band. Located in Fort Greene, the school has a new Spanish dual language program that is open to Brooklyn students and residents.

The Dock Street School for S.T.E.A.M. Studies, formerly Satellite West, will open in a brand new building that features a science lab, a science demo room and suite of rooms dedicated to music instruction. In addition to its new name and location, the school will offer a curriculum that incorporates hands-on projects and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) and will be admitting 6th-graders through a screened admissions policy. District 13 students and residents are eligible to apply.

JHS 218, James P. Sinnott is a borough-wide school that introduces students to the health professions through internships and monthly healthcare topics. Located in East New York, the school has a new Spanish dual language program that is open to Brooklyn students and residents.

IS 281, Joseph B. Cavallaro is a large school that offers talent programs in the arts, technology, media and journalism. Located in Gravesend, the school has a new Mandarin dual language program that is open to Brooklyn students and residents.

Manhattan

Students at the School for Global Leaders enjoy lots of field trips and perform community service projects of their choosing. Located on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the school is opening a Mandarin dual language program. Manhattan students and residents are eligible to apply.

Queens

At IS 204, Oliver Wendell Holmes students do research projects in a range of areas including STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Located in Long Island City, the school is opening a Spanish dual language program. Queens students and residents are eligible to apply.

Charter

One option not listed in the 2016 New Middle School Directory is Brooklyn Prospect Charter School—Clinton Hill Middle. This will be the second middle school run by the Brooklyn Prospect Charter organization. Jackie DeLuca, the head of literacy instruction at Brooklyn Prospect's flagship school, will leave her position to become Clinton Hill Middle's founding principal. Construction on the school’s permanent facility is underway, but will not be completed for two years. Pending approval by the Panel for Educational Policy, Clinton Hill Middle will be temporarily housed in a public school building that is also home to Brooklyn High School for Leadership and Community Service, Brooklyn Community High School of Communication, Arts and Media, and P369, a program for students with disabilities. Brooklyn Prospect runs its own admissions and accepts students based on a lottery. Applications are due by April 1.