Dear Judy - I have been reading about the [schools that are closing] and I am wondering: what happens to students at those schools? Are they allowed to transfer? Also, if they have not accumulated enough credits to graduate by the time the school is closed, what do they do?
---Worried about the kids
Dear Worried about the kids:
According to Liz Sciabarra, director of enrollment at the Department of Education, 9th- graders in phasing out schools will be offered the opportunity to apply for another school. Kids should speak to their guidance counselor about how to proceed. Another option: visit the local enrollment office.
Tenth graders will also be helped to transfer, if they wish, but by and large, the DOE expects students, especially in the upper grades in phase-out schools, to stay put and graduate. Be aware that many schools do not accept kids after 10th grade and sometimes the new placement will be no better than the current situation. It would be wise to contact the guidance counselor or the enrollment office 212-374-2363 as soon as you can to start the process.
Back in 2008, a similar question came up and Peter Dillon, then of the Office of Portfolio Development, told us that in general, as closing schools phase out and the school gets smaller, students will get more individualized attention and they will be able to acquire enough credits to graduate, even if they are now behind.
According to the DOE, students who don't accumulate enough credits to graduate will be given a new placement - or as the DOE puts it - "will be able to earn the needed credits in another setting." Students shouldn't settle for a GED program as the new setting, unless it's the best option. They are entitled to stay in school until the age of 21.
By the way,some students might want to consider a transfer alternative school. These schools are open to older kids who can't make it in their regular high school, and may do better in a setting that has strategies for helping them get back on track to graduate. Check out our listings in the Find a School section or on the DOE's website. Interested students should contact the transfer schools directly to apply.
- Judy
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