The vast majority of NYC families opt for public school. But the decision-making doesn't end there. The overwhelming process of choosing a middle school continues. Because public schools are not equal –by design.

Ever been greeted at a public school with a metal detector and half a dozen security guards where parents are forbidden to enter?

How do you start building partner leads? You can start with a Google keyword search to find leads with specific criteria. But if you’re looking to cast a wide net, organizations that receive government support can often be found through government data portals which is where we found a list of hundreds of City-funded programs for Seniors.

Frustrated with the NYC “My Schools” search restrictions and the heft of a 600 page directory? This free on-line directory that let’s you find school information on-line and in one place.

If you’re a parent of a four year old, in need of After-School, you most likely have some tough choices. Apparently, NY State thinks the school building is safe enough for PreK students from 8:30 - 2:30 but not after that.  And the State doesn’t trust the same After-school staff who care for Kindergarten children to care for PreK children.

I’ve learned that our schools and neighborhoods will continue to grow more disparate and segregated until New York’s policy makers treat early childcare, education and extra-curricular enrichment as an investment in whole families all along the income scale.

It’s finally here! a Google map we’ve created that includes every District, Boro and City-wide middle school for Manhattan students/residents. Easy to use and including enough basic info. you need to know to help narrow down your search. Click through the link below to go directly to the map and start exploring!

Community leaders in NYC School District 1 are serious about promoting our schools and supporting our families. To demonstrate, they’ve organized a walking tour of (almost) every District 1 middle school for families to visit. Doors will be open this Saturday for parents and students (especially those who have a hard time touring during the work week) to meet teachers, principals and other parents from each school, to ask questions and learn about options. The goal is to encourage families to expand their choices and encourage the community to engage in diversifying our schools in this highly segregated neighborhood. We’re looking forward to joining the walk!

So why can’t school information be easier to find? For starters, I’d like a map with markers of each school that my child is eligible to apply to. Ideally, admissions criteria would also be transparent and easy to understand.

If you’ve got a 5th grader in (non zoned) Dist1 and have questions about applying to Middle School, please join us for this free information session The Public Good is organizing. Register here: https://d1middleschoolinfo.eventbrite.com

The event is co-sponsored with District 1 CEC. The Dept. of Education’s Middle School Admissions office will be joining to provide updates on changes and answer

For the past eight years, The Public Good has been actively researching NYC Department of Education (DOE) policies around school choice and choice leads to or is lead by segregation and inequity.

We have been exploring is the link between resources and funding for services such as after-school programs and the socio-economic composition of elementary schools.

View the presentation here for insights and links to resources that help families navigate the Middle School application process.