It's admissions season at the Department of Education -- another week, another deadline.
This week, parents of 2009 pre-Kindergarten students must submit applications for the coming year; links here to the online application and school directory. You can also pick up a paper copy of the application at your local elementary schools.
Take a look at the directory for particulars on enrollment priority -- siblings first, followed by children who live in the school's zone. If you don't know your zone, call 311, or use the DOE's map finder. Only children born in 2005 may apply for pre-K.
The pre-K and kindergarten process have gone through some dramatic changes in recent years: Families should understand that enrollment in a pre-K does not guarantee enrollment in the same school's kindergarten. There is no "automatic articulation" -- DOE-speak for moving up from one class to the next -- and all students must apply again for kindergarten, even if the family would like their child to continue at the same school.
The DOE offers half- and full-day programs in all five boroughs. If you're still school-shopping, check here for tips -- but make your choices quickly, as the deadline is fast approaching. According to the DOE, families will get placement news the week of May 18.
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