If you are moving to Brooklyn with children, first you need to find the best Brooklyn neighborhoods for families and then, the right Brooklyn school for your child.
You have a dilemma. Public or private school NYC? Which school is the best for my kid? We can’t give you the exact answer to your questions but we can help you with our tips to choose the right Brooklyn school for your child.
You might become overwhelmed trying to pick the right Brooklyn school for your child, so you should consider what’s the most important for your family.
First, plan ahead!
You as a parent should start planning at least a year in advance. Especially, if you want that your Brooklyn moving is less stressful. To enroll your child in public elementary school in Brooklyn, you must apply on time. If you apply in time, you’ll have the best chance of getting your child into the school of your choice.
Find Your Zone and District
When you are picking the right Brooklyn school for your child you need to find schools in your zone and district. A zone is a geographical area whose residents may attend the school. A district is larger than a zone. In districts are few neighborhoods and many schools. So, if the school in your zone is overcrowded you can be on a waiting list. But, don’t worry, children who live in the certain zone have a priority over other kids.
Children who apply to a school inside their district may also have a priority over others who apply from outside the district.
If you don’t know which zone and district are yours. Find it using the Department of Education’s search tool.
Visit Potential Schools to pick the right Brooklyn school for your child
One of the important steps, when you are picking the right Brooklyn school for your child, is to visit potential schools. All schools in Brooklyn have open tours at some time of the year. For example, November and December are common months for visits in many schools.
Proximity to Home
Proximity to home is very important when you want to pick the right Brooklyn school for your child. You should pick the closest schools to your home. Think about hassle in the morning and difficulties when the school is far away.
There are hundreds of older students who commute several hours every day between home and school. But, when you have younger kids think how hard it is. So, pick the school that is closest to your Brooklyn apartment.
Research Schools
Brooklyn gives many opportunities for newcomers, so you have many options when you are picking the right Brooklyn school for your child. To find the school it is important that you research every school in your district. You can consult your kindergarten directory. Or you can find more information about schools on their websites and on online forums. Also, you can find all information that you need on Inside Schools. On this website, you can read all about public schools in NYC.
You can also hire a school consultant. He/she can help you sort all of the school’s information quickly.
Financial Realities
When it comes to the price of Brooklyn school you should think about the whole family. You can find the right programs for your child that are affordable. You just need to be open-minded about different neighborhoods. Many quality schools can be found in all neighborhoods, not just the priciest areas.
For example, many Brooklyn Independent schools offer financial aid programs that are available for families who may not be able to afford it.
What to Look for in a School
There are few things that will help you say – this is the right Brooklyn school for my child! Some of them are a convenient location, school scores, a school that “feels” right or special programs may also be important.
Also, some Brooklyn schools have a program for gifted and talented kids, dual-language programs etc.
Apply for Schools
When you select your top choices of Brooklyn schools, you can apply online, by phone or in person. If you want to apply online, you fill out one application online at the Department of Education’s Student Enrollment Management System. You may list as many as 12 schools, in order of preference.
Wait for the Results
If you apply in January, you will get your answer in March. If you are on waiting list, you can find out later in September or even October, when schools start.
But, if you are on the waiting list you can lobby the principal at your top school or schools to accept you. You can set up meetings with the principals at the two or three schools highest on your wish list of Brooklyn schools.
Accept and Register
Don’t forget! If you are accepted, you must register or you will lose your spot in Brooklyn school. To register to the right Brooklyn school for your child, you go to the school in person.
Public vs. Private Schools in Brooklyn
First, you need to be aware that in public and private schools in Brooklyn are the same educated children. Many parents think that the spent money means more education. But it is not the rule for every school.
The advantage of a private school is that many programs like art, music, and athletics never be cut because of budgets. Also, for many parent private schools are a matter of prestige, thinking they will make better connections later in life.
In general, private schools in Brooklyn have the lower teacher to student ratio, smaller classes, and better-equipped facilities, such as science labs, art studios, and gyms.
But, there are parents who want to put their time, money, and energy into zoned schools.
You should know when you want to pick the right Brooklyn school for your child, not every school is for everyone. One family will absolutely adore one school while another family will think that isn’t the right school for their child. So, you need to find the best school for you and your family.
Before applying, visit every school, see the engagement level of teachers, measure how involved they can be, ask for extra help outside the classroom, and most important – see if the school “feels right.”