Wait list frustration building at PS 3, 41
 |
Stories today in the Daily News and on the Huffington Post highlight parent frustrations with kindergarten enrollment; chatter we’re hearing describes hundreds of children waitlisted for the most desirable Manhattan primary schools. Up to 90 children are waitlisted at PS 3 and PS 41,popular schools that share a zone in Greenwich Village; Department of Education spokesperson Andy Jacob cautions patience as this plays out. Parents on the waitlist received letters from the DOE outlining the process.
Many forces are at play in kindergarten admissions. Changes this year to an application process that allows families to apply to multiple schools, along with what’s widely perceived to be increased demand for public schools, have caused their share of confusion. Here’s what we’ve learned about the two schools in question:
PS 3 and PS 41 each had more than 100 kindergarten students in 2007-08, according to the most recent data posted on the DOE website. It’s too early to say whether either school will open new classes to permit zoned children to enroll, or if class sizes will increase.
Because there were more applicants than seats available, the schools held a lottery and some families in the zone are waitlisted for both schools. The schools themselves maintain the lists, Jacob says, and families can call the schools to learn their place on the list.
Jacob says that much of the process is still incomplete — for example, gifted & talented test results go out late next week, with placement decisions anticipated in early June. “There are several schools in Manhattan and other boroughs that have wait lists for zoned students,” he said, noting that every year there are wait lists.
The DOE is gathering wait list information this month and will be looking at ways for schools to absorb as many zoned students as possible, Jacob said. Options could include increasing kindergarten class size, opening new classrooms (which could involve converting art studios or science labs to make room), and — as a last resort — capping a school’s enrollment and directing children to another school in the same zone.
Subscribe to 
I hope the DOE understands that increasing class size is NOT the solution. It provides a cheap, short-lived band-aid at best! Classes are too large for optimal learning environments as it is!
Comment by Bronx mom — April 25, 2009 @ 10:41 am
PS3/41 area must get rezoned. People who bought apartments within a few blocks of those schools for the sole purpose of going to those schools should not have to get bussed out to a school 20 blocks away.
Comment by Anonymous — April 25, 2009 @ 8:52 pm
My child graduated from PS 3 a few years ago and we commuted more than 20 blocks to attend this school. Should the school get rezoned? The answer is no!
Comment by Alana — April 27, 2009 @ 4:47 pm
anonymous,
why should people who have the means to buy apartments close to these schools have precedence over those who have lived in this neighborhood for years, or for those who live legitimately in this district and who do not have the means to buy property just to get into a good school?
no to rezoning. new properties should get zoned out if anything!
Comment by fuzzmama — April 27, 2009 @ 6:27 pm
The school that is 20 blocks away is as overcrowded perhaps the the DOE and the Mayor should face facts and build more schools. Take advanage of already existing classrooms via closed parochial schools. Anything short of creating new space will eventually drive people out of the city.
Comment by Anonymous — April 28, 2009 @ 8:32 pm
There’s a meeting tonight for parents on the waitlist. Here are the details:
Planning meeting tonight for waitlisted 3/41 parents at 95 Morton Street, Lobby Floor, between Greenwich and Washington streets, 7PM. If you are late, please call 646-209-3526. Space is limited and priority will be given to parents on the 3/41 waitlist, but others welcome as space permits.
Comment by Pamela Wheaton — April 30, 2009 @ 3:25 pm