From starting the initial research to touring schools to completing enrollment, the middle school admissions process is the gateway to more serious academic involvement on the part of your child. Interviews and auditions, along with test scores, may become an important part of your son or daughter’s evolving educational path—and his or her active involvement is crucial. With your help, and some insights from educational advisors and organizations, your preteen can learn how to navigate the waters of New York City public and private school admissions.

Public School

From insideschools.org

Whether or not you have a zoned neighborhood school, most families want to explore their options when enrolling in middle school. Location is probably your first consideration. But if the schools in your neighborhood aren’t great, you’ll want to consider other options. The Department of Education publishes middle school directories for each of the city’s 32 school districts. In general, applications must be submitted in December, and students are notified of the schools’ decisions in late spring.

There are exceptions. Charter schools (many of which begin in fifth grade) admit children by lotteries held in April. Also, if you move to the city after the application process is finished, an enrollment office must find a place for your child.

Most schools offer tours in the fall. Try to look beyond the school’s physical plant to the quality of teaching. Look at the kids’ faces. Are they interested and engaged? Bored? Are you interested in what the teacher is saying? Do the kids’ books look interesting? Look for rich classroom libraries. The more books the better—in the classroom as well as in the school library. Schools that rely too heavily on textbooks are dull. Look for examples of children’s writing, as well. Are the walls bare, or are there lots of bulletin boards with students’ work? Is the quality of work good? Are the art projects imaginative?

The Q&A period after the tour is a good time to get a feel for the philosophy and atmosphere of a school. You’ll get a more revealing answer if you ask open-ended questions such as “How do you handle discipline?” rather than “Is your school safe?” Ask whether parents may visit the school and classes during the year. A school that welcomes parents is not afraid of what you might see on an impromptu visit.

Of course, make sure your child is eligible to apply. Some schools limit admissions to children living in their district. Many gifted programs and selective middle schools will not accept applications from children who do not meet cut-off scores on standardized fourth grade tests.

Finally, involve your child and brace for the tests and interviews. Some schools require an exam or audition. Some interview students. Essay questions and auditions can be nerve-wracking, but some kids view them as a chance to show off. Moreover, if there’s a tour, consider taking your child out of school to accompany you. After all, it is your son or daughter who will be spending his or her days there.

Insideschools.org is made up of journalists, public school parents and public school advocates dedicated to providing the best independent information about New York City’s public schools.

Private School

By Terri Decker, Educational Advisor At Smart City Kids

The NYC private school admissions process is competitive not by design or exclusivity, but because of the number of families going through it. While a “top tier” school may certainly be one of your criteria, prestige should by no means be the only goal. Be realistic about your child’s strengths and limitations. And keep in mind that schools are looking for families who are a good match for their educational philosophy, and who will be an asset to their community over the coming years.

Private middle schools are looking for students with a wide variety of interests. While standardized test scores are an important piece of your child’s application folder, their importance varies from school to school and there is no one score that functions as a cutoff. While most children benefit from taking some practice assessments to familiarize them with the format of the tests they will be taking, test scores are part of an overall picture that includes grades, school reports, teacher recommendations, interviews and essays. Keep in mind that testing dates for middle school are not as open ended as those for lower school admissions. Tests are administered in groups, and you want to make sure to sign up early.

Unlike applying for kindergarten, when your child would pretty much go on any “play visit” with the promise of a snack afterward, it’s important that he/she be actively involved in the admissions process for middle school. While the final school choice might not be your child’s to make, his/her cooperation and input is important. At the same time, no school administrator expects a middle school student to be an accomplished interviewer, just to have a clear level of interest and engagement.

And while the majority of families walking into any private school on the first day know no one, keep in mind that a letter of recommendation from someone familiar to and familiar with the school community who can write evocatively on how your child and your family would be an asset to that school can be a very good way to elevate your application.

Lastly, sending thank you notes after tours and interviews is not only common courtesy, it’s a good way to confirm for the schools that are interested in admitting your child that you are interested in having your child attend that school.

Smart City Kids’ mission is to help improve each family's chances of acceptance to the school of their choice by providing expert advice, guidance and emotional support during the admissions process.

Getting ready for high school? For more info on the public school process, visit the Department of Education website (schools.nyc.gov).  For more info on private schools, visit the Independent School Admissions Association of Greater New York (isaagny.org).