By Hélène Côté, School Consultant and Research Associate with School Search Solutions, a division of the School Choice Group.
All NYC parents—whether they’re ultimately interested in private school or public school for their children—should understand their public school options. Here’s an overview.
STEP 1. FINDING YOUR ZONED SCHOOL
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Your child is guaranteed a seat in a public school, typically the one for which your address is zoned. If you know your school district, use its website
Or, call 311 and give your address.
Use the NYC Department of Education’s School Search tool.
MIDDLE SCHOOL: The DOE Website (schools.nyc.gov) lists every district by borough and links to directories outlining each district’s process.
HIGH SCHOOL: Students can attend a zoned high school or one elsewhere in the city, including career and technical education schools, charter or specialized schools. Students must apply. Schools may require applications, testing, or audition.
STEP 2. EXPLORE VARIOUS OPTIONS
GIFTED & TALENTED SCHOOLS: There are a handful of un-zoned G & T schools that welcome students from all boroughs; there are many more programs that are zoned within their district. Education Department testing is available for all current NYC residents starting in pre-K.
MAGNET SCHOOLS: Students from throughout the district may attend. Some districts have specific criteria; others use the program to achieve integration. Magnets usually have a theme, like performing arts or math and science. They teach the prescribed curriculum but embed the theme within.
CHARTER SCHOOLS: These are run outside the local school district system, so do not list them on your District application. Visit the New York City Charter School Center (nyccharterschools.org) for more info and to begin a search; and contact schools directly for application procedures. By law, each charter is required to admit students through a random lottery usually conducted in April.
ENROLLING IN SCHOOLS OUTSIDE YOUR DISTRICT: Entry in a high performing school may be available by lottery.
STEP 3. CONSIDER YOUR FAMILY’S NEEDS
YOUR CHILD:
What are your child’s unique needs and what qualities in a school will meet these?
Does your child like work best alone or in groups?
Does your child need structure or hands-on experience?
LOGISTICAL NEEDS:
Location: How will your child get to and from school?
Start & End Times: What time does school begin and let out?
Afterschool: Do you need before/after care?
STEP 4. BE OPEN MINDED
Consider a broad range of schools and programs.
Don’t assume that popular schools are “better.” Define a “good” school as one that’s right for your family.
Look beyond test scores. They are just one indicator of school quality.
STEP 5. VISIT SCHOOLS
TOUR SCHOOLS: Attend open houses and school events from October through January
IMPORTANT ONLINE RESOURCES: NYC DOE (schools.nyc.gov); NYC District and School websites (visit schools.nyc.gov, and use Google); NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (nyc.gov/html/dycd); Advocates For Children Of New York (advocatesforchildren.org); GreatSchools.org; InsideSchools.org
If you have any other Ask the Admissions Expert questions or have questions regarding school placement in New York City, please contact us at info@schoolchoiceintl.com.
