Shift back to local schools for kindergarten admissions
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In a procedural 180, DOE has revised its plans for centralized kindergarten admissions. In January, their intention was to centralize the process — much as the pre-K process was centralized this year and last. Now, Elissa Gootman reports, applications will all follow a consistent calendar (which makes sense) and a specific set of citywide rules.
Schools will still give initial preference to students whose older siblings attend the same elementary schools; in-district applications will be considered before out-of-district apps, and pre-K students will be required to apply for K, even at schools they already attend.
Whether the change of direction was due to parent outcry, school protest, logistical apprehension or a flash of insight from the central enrollment office, the newly announced policy means that local schools will administer local admissions — at least, for 2009-2010.
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My take on Gootman’s story was that siblings of those already enrolled only get preference according to their zone/district. Last I heard ALL sibs came before even zoned kids. If this is in fact the new policy lots of sibs will be on their own. In Brooklyn, for ex., I know tons of kids who have their kids in D 15 schools & live out of district & have been planning for their younger kids to continue in same school. Historically principals have given ALL sibs priority. What is really going to happen now? Do I need to start applying all over again?
Comment by bay brown — November 14, 2008 @ 10:35 am
I think the priority is very clear, and yes, zoned children get first priority over out of zone or out of district siblings. I think it would be very hard to argue that this isn’t fair. I too live in district 15, and I bought a condo in that district (and paid more for it) in part because of the good public schools the district has to offer. It wouldn’t really be fair if my son didn’t get a spot and a child who doesn’t live in the zone or district did. Historically, I have not heard of a school that has given out of zone or out of district siblings preference over zoned kids. Where has this happened?
I think everyone knows that the rules for getting into a school that is not your zoned school change all the time, and it is not something you can count of from year to year (or child to child).
My read is that if there are spots after all zoned kids are accounted for, out of zone and then out of district siblings will be given preference over out of zone/district kids without siblings already enrolled.
Comment by Anonymous — November 14, 2008 @ 12:12 pm
I think this makes more sense. It simplifies the process for those who want to apply to their zoned school and de-mystifies it for those who want to apply to schools other than their zoned school. Too bad they can’t rewind and have a do-over for last year’s pre-k. Also, they should consider applying this policy to pre-k. Also, a wait-list would be smart.
Comment by pre-k parent — November 14, 2008 @ 2:10 pm
Have written to DOE to request precise sibling policy for K admissions, because there’s some confusion about what’s been written so far. Will post their response whenever they send it — thanks, and stay tuned.
Comment by Helen — November 14, 2008 @ 5:08 pm
Thanks for clarifying Helen….one question I had was how big the K classrooms can get - its universal K, right? So at what point does a principal say “we’re full?” is it after zoned kids are in or after out of zone/in district with sibling are in? (that’s our category.)
Comment by Anonymous — November 15, 2008 @ 11:35 am
I have another question, Helen. Does this mean we can apply to lotteries to as many gen-ed programs as we like, see where we get in and then make a choice?
Comment by Suzanne — November 17, 2008 @ 10:34 am
Regarding sibling preferences: will it be up to the principals, then, to determine when a class is full? Or is there a set number of students allowed?
Comment by Gussy — November 17, 2008 @ 1:48 pm