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Unzoned schools You don’t have to live in a specific neighborhood to attend one of these schools, which “tend to have a more progressive attitude than gifted and talented schools,” says Hemphill. “They’re a popular choice among parents who think giving an IQ test to a four-year-old is ridiculous.” You apply to unzoned schools—like Central Park East I and II (both on the Upper East Side), P.S. 361(Brooklyn), P.S. 364 (Lower East Side) and P.S. 315 (Bronx)—directly at the district office; call 311 to find out where yours is. (It’s also possible to enroll in a zoned school without living in that zone. To do so, you’ll have to apply for a variance at the school’s district office. “It’s becoming more difficult to do that for certain schools, but it’s not impossible,” says Hemphill.)
Magnet schools These have received federal or state grants to promote racial integration by attracting kids from outside the neighborhood. Each school has a different admissions policy, and because they’re usually funded by grants, programs change yearly; be sure to call the district office for the most up-to-date information. Anyone can apply, and many magnet schools have special programs in science or the arts. Some standouts: P.S. 8, P.S. 13, P.S. 154, P.S. 172 (all located in Brooklyn).
Dual-language schools Not to be confused with bilingual programs (intended for children whose first language isn’t English), classes here are taught to foster fluency in a second language. For example, students may be taught in Spanish (or Chinese or French, depending on the school) for two weeks and then in English for two weeks. The application process is similar to that for magnet schools. Some good options: P.S. 184 (Lower East Side), P.S. 163 and P.S. 87 (both on the Upper West Side).
Admissions The tuition may be free, but you’re not free from hassles when dealing with any of these public schools. Each program and each school have different application processes and deadlines, and they can change from year to year, so be sure to inquire directly with the school before you apply.
Extra credit Hunter College Elementary School is a city school that operates more like a specialized high school. Because the school conducts research, students can enter only in kindergarten.
Insider tip “When researching a public school, you don’t have to worry that you’ll somehow ruin your child’s chances by saying the wrong thing, as you might at a private school,” says Victoria Goldman, author of The Manhattan Family Guide to Private Schools and Selective Public Schools. “So ask as many questions as you like.”
jay
Wed, Jun 11, at 07:12pm
silly article that says nothing. obviously if your zone schools stinks you have to try to get into one of the unzoned or special schools.... and the best place to find out? DOE, 311, or your district office. Duh.
