an in-depth look at

understanding

The Middle School Process

Jacquie WayansJacquie Wayans is the assignment editor and on-camera voice of Insideschools. She offers workshops and advice for parents on school choice. She is a co-author of the New York City Best Public School guides and has visited more than 250 schools. Most importantly, she is the mom of three public school children. A Bronx resident, she served on the Community Education Council for District 10 for the 2009–10 school year.

The Middle School Choice Process

Empowering Parents

1The Timeline

2The Choices

3The Process

The Timeline

What do you need to do and when

1

Middle School Choice Timeline

October Middle School

Directory, OLSAT &

Mark Twain RFT

Distributed

Oct - Dec Open House

Events

October Middle

School Fairs

October Return

Request for Testing (RFT)

November Middle School

Applications Distributed

December OLSAT Testing

December Deadline for

Return of Middle School

Applications

Jan – Feb Mark Twain

Talent Testing

Jan – Feb Student

Interviews and Testing at Selected

Middle Schools

May Decision

Letter Distributed

June Appeal Decision Letters

Distributed

http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/Middle/Calendar/default.htm

Middle School Directories Distributed - October

Middle school fairs-October

• Come prepared to ask questions

• Visit as many schools represented at the fair as you can

• Sign their sign up sheet*

• Talk to the administrators and students

• Find out dates for their Open House or School Tours

• Pick up any applications

Request for Testing - October

Open House Calendar – Oct. – Dec.

Request for testing receipt - October

Middle School Application - November

Make a copy of your completed application for your personal records

Student Testing and Interviews – January - February

Decisions and Appeals – May - June

2 The Choices

How to make the most of your choices

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATIONSpecialized Schools

Size

Zoned Schools

A directory will be given to your child for their current school district and if different from where they reside, one will be given for that district as well. They will contain all the schools that will be listed on your child’s Choice Application(s).

District Schools

• Accepts applicants who reside within the district

• School has its own application process and may require additional testing

• Contact school directly for Open House and School Tour dates

Borough wide Schools

• Accepts applicants from the entire borough

• Each school has its own application and requires admission testing and interviewing.

• Contact schools directly for Open House and School Tours

Citywide Schools

• Accepts applicants from all boroughs

• Has its own application and admission testing

• Contact schools directly for Open House and School Tours

School Visits Quality of teachers

School Atmosphere

School Library

Student Work

School Visit Checklist

3 The Process

Today's preparation determines tomorrow's achievement.

Understanding School Descriptions

Reviewing Contact Information

• Visit their website if they have one

• Review location and confirm that it is convenient

• Pay attention to enrollment requirements– Who’s eligible– Size of school– Grades served– Special Ed Services– ELL and ESL Programs

• School’s Progress Report Scores and Quality Review

• Important Information

What does the school have to offer

• Is this a themed school• What are the special

programs and initiatives offered by the school

• What are some of the languages taught to the students

• Which organizations partner with this school

• What are the extracurricular activities available

Selection Criteria: Zoned & Screened

Selection Criteria: Limited Unscreened

Ranking your school choices

Focus only on the schools you are truly interested in and ignore the rest. I personally narrow my choices down to no more than 3 schools.

How To Apply To Other Schools

Contact the school

Inquire about application and testing process

Attend any Open Houses or Tours

Obtain Application

Complete Application to schools specifications

Some schools may require testing

Schools with School-Based Applications

Choice Application Acceptance Letter

Acceptance/Declination Form

RESOURCES@

? Questions?

Questions and Answers

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