education
Where to Start
Applying to
Public Schools
How to prepare for admission to pre-K, kindergarten, middle school, and high school By Shana Liebman
T
he New York City Department of Education is made up of more than 1,800 public schools, and your child will apply for public school several times throughout their education. Because it can be a challenging process, parents should be aware of deadlines and requirements. Even as this school year comes to a close, it’s a good idea to get prepped for what’s ahead.
The best starting point is MySchools (myschools.nyc), which provides the most current information about NYC’s schools in 32 school districts. School Quality Snapshots provide background information and performance metrics for each public school in the city, and school counselors and Family Welcome Centers can provide useful information. You can also browse the schools near you at schoolsearch.schools.nyc. In addition to regular public schools, NYC also offers magnet and charter schools. NYC magnet schools are public schools that are part of the NYC DOE system, but their curriculum is based around a specific theme (STEAM, civic leadership, media, or innovation, for example). They accommodate students from outside their zone or district. There is one special music school in the city, which requires an audition, and several Dual Language (DL) programs. You could also choose to send your child to a free charter school in New York City—serving Universal Pre-K through 12th grades, that operate independently from the DOE.
Pre-K & Kindergarten ApplicAtions Are typicAlly due: pre-K: mid- to late March; kindergarten: mid-January Kids are eligible to apply to pre-K in the calendar year in which they turn 4 and kindergarten in the year in which they turn 5. The three types of pre-K programs are: • NYC EarlY EduCatioN CENtErs (NYCEECs): communitybased associations that partner with the DOE • distriCt sChools: public elementary schools with pre-K programs • PrE-K CENtErs: administered by DOE staff and great for children who currently attend preschool. For kindergarten, there are two types of schools: • ZoNEd sChools: if you live in the zone, your kids have priority • NoN-ZoNEd sChools: anyone in the district or borough can attend If you apply on time, you will receive a pre-K offer letter in May and a kindergarten letter in June. This letter will tell you where your child is accepted and/or waitlisted.
Middle School ApplicAtions Are typicAlly due: early to mid-December The first step is to find your child’s middle school district, which might differ from their elementary school district. If this is the case, your child can apply to the middle schools in both districts. Your child might also have guaranteed or priority admission at their zoned schools. 22
June/July 2021 | nymetroparents.com
