14 minute read
Applying to Public Schools
How to prepare for admission to pre-K, kindergarten, middle school, and high school
By Shana Liebman
The 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.
Where to Start
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
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
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.
You can apply to up to 12 middle schools and must rank the choices in order of preference. As a result of the pandemic and increasing criticism of admission policies, NYC Mayor Bill De Blasio said the city will now use a random lottery system to admit students to approximately 200 middle schools. Students typically receive their middle school offer letter in the spring. All applicants will get a middle school offer, and most get offers to one of their ranked programs.
High School & Specialized High School
ApplicAtions Are typicAlly due: early December
There are more than 700 high school programs at over 400 schools in NYC, and any current eighth grade student or first-time ninth grade student can apply to any of them. Your first step is deciding whether you are applying to a regular public school, a specialized high school, or a charter school. If you choose to apply to regular public schools, you will be able to rank your 12 choices and submit your application online or through a school counselor. There are several different types of admission processes: • Educational option schools use the English Language Arts state test scores from seventh grade and identify the top 16 percent of scores, the middle 68 percent, and the lowest 16 percent. • ScrEEnEd programS rank applicants based on their final seventh-grade report card grades and reading and math standardized test scores. • unScrEEnEd programS select randomly from the pool of applicants. • ZonEd programS give priority to students who live in the geographic zoned area of the high school. • SpEcialiZEd HigH ScHoolS require students to take the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test to qualify for admission. Though, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts requires students to audition for up to six programs.
The DOE recommends you place the programs on your application in your true order of preference. You will receive an offer letter in the spring, which will include a high school offer and/or any offer(s) to specialized high schools, as well as a list of high schools where your student is waitlisted. At that point you can relax—your NYC public school application journey has finally come to a close.
Brooklyn >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Brooklyn Global Prep
423 Kent Ave., Williamsburg 732- 924-5432 brooklynglobalprep.com admissions@brooklynglobalprep.com
We are a child-centric haven that utilizes language immersion, creating a path for happy, diverse, open-minded thinkers. We have an integrated curriculum that seamlessly weaves together the acquisition of social, emotional, and academic skills, learning of co-constructed content, and building of community in dual languages.
Huntington Learning Center
808 Union St., Park Slope 718-230-4600 huntingtonhelps.com
Huntington Learning Center is the premier tutoring and test prep provider for kindergarten students through 12th grade. Founded in 1977, its mission is to give every student the best education possible. The company prides itself on personalized attention and proven results with individualized programs taught by certified teachers at accredited centers.
New York City Magnet Schools
Locations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Queens magnetschools.nyc • info@magnetschools.nyc
Magnet schools are nationally recognized for innovative learning. A magnet education offers unique programs designed to promote academic and social emotional skills that set the foundation for learning. The diversified approaches to teaching at magnet schools promote creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking for all students.
PS Family NYC
718-701-1707 psfamilynyc.org • info@psfamilynyc.org
PS Family NYC offers families free and low cost in-home child care for children ages newborn to 3 in Brooklyn and Queens. PS Family NYC ofrece a las familias cuidado de niosdiurnos gratuitos a muy bajo costo entre las edades de 0 a 3 aos en Brooklyn y Queen.
Science, Language & Arts International School
9 Hanover Place, Downtown Brooklyn Early Childhood Campus: 132 4th Place, Carroll Gardens 347-894-3768 slaschool.org
Science, Language & Arts is an independent nursery to eighth-grade school in Brooklyn, focused on the handson integration of science with visual arts, language, and math, and committed to providing children with a rich and rigorous multilingual, multicultural, and anti-racist education in French and Mandarin.
Stepping Stones Nursery School
245 86th St., Bay Ridge • 718-630-1000 Stepping Stones-The Next Step 9321 Ridge Blvd., Fort Hamilton • 718-630-1001 steppingstones86.com steppingstones86@aol.com
Stepping Stones offers an independent educational curriculum focusing on developing a love of learning for ages 2-5. Stepping Stones has been providing care for more than 18 years. Classrooms are equipped with age-appropriate materials where children experience music, art, dramatic play, block center, puzzles, libraries, storytelling, outdoor play, and nature walks.
Treasure Island
347 74th St. (corner of 4th Avenue and 74th Street), Bay Ridge 718-238-7676 silbekidz@aol.com
Every child deserves a champion who connects with them and helps them to become the best that they can be. At Treasure Island our staff are champions for all children, helping each child to become a confident, motivated, engaged learner. The program promotes social competencies, active thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Manhattan >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
718-441-0166 Manhattan location: 180 E. 79th St. Suite 1C, Upper East Side Queens location: 114-20 Queens Blvd. Suite CS 2, Forest Hills comprehendthemind.com
CCPS is a group of psychologists specializing in neuro-developmental and educational evaluations to help you understand your child’s learning style and developmental level. A diagnosis of a learning disability or ADHD should not define, but rather strengthen your child and family. Let us help plan for their educational success and emotional well-being.
German School Manhattan
74 Warren St., Tribeca 646-869-1152 germanschoolmanhattan.org info@germanschoolmanhattan.org
German School Manhattan is the first international German-English kindergarten and bilingual lower school in Manhattan. GSM offers a re-imagined, child-centric curriculum that encompasses German and New York educational standards. Our small classes provide a joyful learning environment to encourage and shape future global citizens. Summer camp and after-school are also offered.
Huntington Learning Center
1556 Third Ave., Suite 209, Upper East Side 212-534-3200 huntingtonhelps.com
Huntington Learning Center is the premier tutoring and test prep provider for kindergarten students through 12th grade. Founded in 1977, its mission is to give every student the best education possible. The company prides itself on personalized attention and proven results with individualized programs taught by certified teachers at accredited centers.
New York City Magnet Schools
Locations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Queens magnetschools.nyc • info@magnetschools.nyc
Magnet schools are nationally recognized for innovative learning. A magnet education offers unique programs designed to promote academic and social emotional skills that set the foundation for learning. The diversified approaches to teaching at magnet schools promote creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking for all students.
New York City Magnet Schools District 6
Upper Manhattan: Inwood, Hudson Heights, and Washington Heights magnetschools.nyc • info@magnetschools.nyc
The District 6 Magnet schools offer innovative 3K-fifth grade education for all New York City children. The themed-based magnet education prepares students to be creative thinkers, active listeners, and global citizens, as they learn through various modalities to find their voice and pursue their interests and talents.
New York City Magnet Schools District 8.11
The Bronx: Soundview, Parkchester, and Coop-City magnetschools.nyc • info@magnetschools.nyc
District 8.11 magnet schools, for children in 3K-eighth grade, attract students of various socio-economic backgrounds, races, and academic achievement levels. Each school’s themed curricula promote 21st-century skills, as well as creativity, teamwork, and acceptance, through engaging and innovative learning opportunities.
Pusteblume International Preschool and Afterschool Programs
244 W. 14th St., West Village • 212-206-1137 pusteblumenyc.org • info@pusteblumenyc.org
We are a German and Spanish language immersion school with after-school/enrichment programs open to students from other schools. Special inquiry and exploration-based curriculum is provided. Native-speaking faculty teaches music, movement, literacy, math concepts, and visual arts. Our fun, warm, learning environment cultivates the growth and development of your child.
Wetherby–Pembridge School
7 E. 96th St., Upper East Side 646-213-3400 • wetherby-pembridge.org info@wetherbypembridge.org
Wetherby-Pembridge School is an independent school for ages 2-14, located on the UES. Our school vision is built on the three central values of respect, resilience, and responsibility. Children enjoy a balanced, diverse, and inspiring academic program, which marries the distinguishing strengths of the British and New York educational systems.
York Preparatory School
40 W. 68th St., Upper West Side 212-362-0400 • yorkprep.org
York Preparatory School is a New York City independent school committed to guiding students in sixth through 12th grades to reach their maximum potential—intellectually, socially, and physically—and to prepare them for college and beyond. York Prep encourages the development of lifelong learners who are responsible members of their community.
Queens >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Archbishop Molloy High School
83-53 Manton St., Briarwood 718-441-2100 x155, x140, x110 molloyhs.org admissions@molloyhs.org
Archbishop Molloy High School promotes intellectual curiosity, creativity, personal growth, and faith. Rooted in a tradition of high standards in academics, athletics, and service to others, students are challenged to excel by our top-tier faculty, dedicated coaching staff, and competitive curriculum.
718-441-0166 Queens location: 114-20 Queens Blvd. Suite CS 2, Forest Hills Manhattan location: 180 E. 79th St. Suite 1C, Upper East Side comprehendthemind.com
CCPS is a group of psychologists specializing in neuro-developmental and educational evaluations to help you understand your child’s learning style and developmental level. A diagnosis of a learning disability or ADHD should not define, but rather strengthen your child and family. Let us help plan for their educational success and emotional well-being.
Countryside Montessori School
354 Lakeville Road, Lower Level, Great Neck 516-466-8422 cmsgn.com • info@cmsgn.com
Countryside Montessori School offers children, 18 months to 6 years, a well-balanced and enriched curriculum that includes traditional subjects, art, and music. They are located on an estate-like setting with an outdoor playground and nature walks. Classrooms are fully equipped and spacious. Zoom classes are offered for toddler and nursery children.
Garden School
33-16 79th St., Jackson Heights 718-335-6363 • gardenschool.org
Garden School was founded in 1923 to meet the need for a high-quality, individualized, and independent school in Jackson Heights, Queens. We believe every child has potential and we believe it is a school’s job to spark, acknowledge, and promote the passions and interests of children.
Huntington Learning Center
Flushing • 718-358-7900 • huntingtonhelps.com
Huntington is the premier tutoring and test prep provider, including SAT/ACT and state tests, for kindergarten to 12th grades. The company prides itself on personalized attention and proven results. Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Tutoring is available in-center and online.
Ivy Day School
65-01 Kissena Blvd., Flushing • 718-460-6366 70-44 Kissena Blvd., Flushing • 718-880-1888 104-70 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills • 718-997-1997 ivydayschool.com • dinam@ivydayschool.com
Books and blocks, music and dance, art and creativity! At Ivy Day School (three locations), we provide our decade-long standard of academic excellence to children ages 2-5. We envision students will develop essential skills for a lifetime of achievements via fun, stimulating activities.
The Kew-Forest School
119-17 Union Turnpike, Forest Hills 718-268-4667 • kewforest.org/admission
Our families and staff represent more than 70 nationalities and speak more than 30 languages. You will find that our community nurtures lifelong learners, our educators inspire young people, and our students support each other. We offer on-site, hybrid, and remote learning for students in preschool through 12th grade.
Little Blossoms of Middle Village
8402 60th Ave., Middle Village 917-627-5679 • 917-745-0955 littleblossomsofmiddlevillage.com littleblossomsofvillage@gmail.com
Little Blossoms of Middle Village provides a hands-on, exploratory approach to learning. We offer early drop-off and after-care. In our brand-new facility, we have a creative monthly curriculum that focuses on motor skills, speech/ language development, math, science, and social studies.
We are a language immersion preschool that uses creative open spaces, nature, & art to create diverse and open minded global thinkers. We provide a variety of innovative, language immersion experiences for our youngest learners using the Reggio Emilia approach.
Now accepting applications: Fall 2021
French & Mandarian Immersion School Infants - Kindergarden Enrichment Programs
BROOKLYNGLOBALPREP.COM 429 KENT AVE, BROOKLYN NY
New York City Magnet Schools
Locations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Queens magnetschools.nyc • info@magnetschools.nyc
Magnet schools are nationally recognized for innovative learning. A magnet education offers unique programs designed to promote academic and social emotional skills that set the foundation for learning. The diversified approaches to teaching at magnet schools promote creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking for all students.
New York City Magnet Schools District 28
Queens: Jamaica and Richmond Hill magnetscgools.nyc • info@magnetschools.nyc
Each magnet school offers a unique program designed to promote diversity, academic excellence, and equity for children in 3K through eighth grade. The specialized thematic programs, innovative curriculum, and diversified approaches to teaching offer rigorous instruction that builds content knowledge, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills for all students.
Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School
71-06 31st Ave. E., East Elmhurst 718-898-3800 x2 msgrmcclancy.org • admissions@msgrmcclancy.info
Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School is a Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory school conducted in the educational tradition of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, providing a quality education for young men and women, fully interweaving gospel values and Catholic teachings with core curriculum. Opportunities available for college credit and advanced placement.
88-08 164th St., Jamaica 718-558-6240 • ms358.org • info@magnetschools.nyc
At the Magnet School of STEAM Exploration and Experiential Learning, everyone learns with purpose. Classroom instruction incorporates passionate speaking, purposeful writing, powerful presentations, and digital literacy. Through project-based and experiential learning, students take intellectual risks, make real world connections, and explore authentic problems in their community and society.
Noah’s Ark Preparatory
38-20 Bell Blvd., Bayside • 718-279-4251 noahsarkschool.com • noahsarkpreparatory@gmail.com
Noah’s Ark Preparatory Inc. strives to create a learning environment that invites the fullest potential of each person’s gifts. Both nursery and pre-kindergarten classrooms are divided into distinct learning areas and foster the love of learning. Please call for further information about all of our programs, including UPK.
Our World Neighborhood Charter School 2
135-25 79th St., Howard Beach 718-392-3405, Lucille Ranchor owncs.org/own2 • admissions@owncs.org
Our World Neighborhood Charter Schools (OWNCS) joined the Queens school community in 2002. Through a literacy-based, integrated, and standards-driven curriculum that encourages community and honors diversity, students receive the broad education they need to meet the academic and social challenges of the best NYC high schools and thrive in today’s world.
PS Family NYC
718-701-1707 psfamilynyc.org • info@psfamilynyc.org
PS Family NYC offers families free and low cost in-home child care for children ages newborn to 3 in Brooklyn and Queens. PS Family NYC ofrece a las familias cuidado de niosdiurnos gratuitos a muy bajo costo entre las edades de 0 a 3 aos en Brooklyn y Queen.
Queens Community House: Queens Childcare Network
108-25 62nd Drive, Forest Hills 347-897-4949 qchnyc.org • childcare@qchnyc.org
Queens Childcare Network (QCCN) is comprised of more than 40 licensed in-home day cares. QCCN provides our day cares with dedicated educational coaching—health, nutrition, and safety monitoring. We also help families of infants and toddlers apply for affordable child care through NYC DOE EarlyLearn or 3K. To learn more, email childcare@qchnyc.org or call 347-897-4949.
