Elementary
& middle | High schools
There are more than 400 high schools in
New York City and they come in a variety of sizes and shapes including
selective schools, charter schools, alternative schools, transfer
alternative schools, arts focus high schools, educational option schools,
vocational schools and schools for immigrants.
The first thing to know is that all students must apply for
admission to high school; students are not guaranteed a space
in their neighborhood school. The high school application form allows
students to apply to 12 schools. If they wish to apply for their neighborhood
school, they must list it as one of their 12 choices.
Educational option
schools and programs within large high schools offer some of the most
attractive alternatives for kids - as well as some of the most perplexing
and aggravating admissions procedures. These schools were designed
to ensure that low-performing kids as well as academic stars had an
equal shot at admission.
To that end, a certain proportion of seats are reserved for high-achievers (16%), for average kids (68%), and for the lowest-achievers (16%).
The school
administration chooses half the students; half are assigned at random
by Department of Education computers. Kids who score in the top two
percent on the 7th grade reading exam are guaranteed a slot in an "ed-op"
school if they list it as their first choice on their high school
application.
Alternative schools
Alternative schools tend to be smaller than
traditional high schools and generally offer students more individual
attention. When alternative schools first opened in the 1970s, they
mostly attracted students who were unsuccessful in their neighborhood
schools. In recent years, however, many highly successful students
have begun to choose alternative programs because they offer a warm
and safe environment, smaller classes and closer relationships between
students and teachers.
Some alternative schools require students to prepare a "portfolio" of their school work as a graduation requirement, in addition to taking Regents exams.
Arts focus
Arts focus high schools select students on
the basis of demonstrated skill in fine arts, dance, drama or musical
performance. Typically a committee looks at a collection of a student’s
artwork and asks him or her to complete an on-site task, or it will
listen to or view tapes of musical, dance or drama performances and/or
require an on-site performance. There may also be academic or attendance
requirements.
Charter schools
Charter schools are public schools that operate
independently of the local districts under a "charter" from
the state Board of Regents, the State University (SUNY) or the Chancellor.
Schools receive a basic allotment of taxpayer funds for each child.
They are required to admit students by lottery and must give the same
standardized tests as other public schools. They are free from most
other school district regulations. Public schools can vote to become
charter schools and several have already done so. Charters are issued
for five years and can be revoked if the school fails to perform as
promised. For an up to date list,
see the Department of Education's website.
Schools for immigrants
Schools for recent immigrants offer an introduction
to English to students who need it. Some of these are one-year transitional
programs. Others grant diplomas and prepare students for college. Most of these
schools are limited to students who have been in the United States four years
or less. Students may opt instead, to receive extra
English language instruction as part of their general high school education.
Selective
Selective schools use tests or other screening methods
to choose their student body. Students may be chosen for their achievement level
or specific talent.
The city's nine specialized high schools are highly selective. Any student living in the five boroughs may apply. The eight so-called exam schools (Stuyvesant High School (in Manhattan), Bronx High School of Science, Brooklyn Technical High School, Staten Island Tech, and Brooklyn Latin, plus three small specialized high schools located on CUNY campuses: High School of American Studies at Lehman College (in the Bronx), the High School of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering at City College (in Manhattan), and the Queens High School for the Sciences at York College) have one admissions test, given in October or November. Students who move to the city after the test is given may take it the following year, usually the day after Labor Day. The Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan requires an audition (in dance, voice, instrumental music, drama, technical theater or a portfolio in studio art) in November and December. Students who move to the city after the auditions are held, may audition in the following year, usually just before Labor Day. For more information about the admissions process and sample tests, see the Specialized High Schools Student Handbook.
Other selective schools have their own admissions criteria
which might include an interview, essay or exam.
Screened programs within some neighborhood high schools look
at students’ past achievement and attendance.
Transfer alternative
Transfer alternative schools are designed as "second-chance"
programs for students who are over age for their grade and far behind
in their studies. Most admit students who have already attended at least
one other high school. Some admit students directly from middle school.
Vocational
Vocational schools offer students training
in a trade or career. Vocational schools are also supposed to offer
enough academic courses so students are prepared for college should
they decide to attend. Some of the vocational programs are well-organized,
while others prepare students for jobs that are obsolete. Some programs
lead to professional licenses or qualify students for good jobs. In
the current Department of Education vernacular, vocational schools
are called "career and technical education" schools.
Unscreened
Unscreened schools refers to programs, mostly new, where students who apply are randomly selected by computer.
Limited unscreened
This is a term used by the Department of Education for new, small schools which give preference in admission to students who, with their parents, attend the school's information session or open house.
Zoned (or neighborhood)
These schools, or programs within schools, give preference to students who apply and live in the school's geographical zone. Note: Not all boroughs and neighborhoods have zoned schools.
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