Your independent guide to NYC public schools

I have two grandchildren both in the 2nd grade and I am looking to get them into a school with a better curriculum and that would give them a better opportunity to get into a good high school. Can you please help me.

There are some schools in all boroughs that are "unzoned". Some accept children based on academic achievement, some based on talents (usually in the upper grades) and some by lottery. Take a look at www.insideschools.org find a school feature to find those schools in your borough and/or neighborhood. You can also search for charter schools in that way. In the case of the unzoned schools, the Region makes the decision re placement. The charter schools hold lotteries, usually in the spring. You have to contact them directly.

If the schools the children are in now are on the No Child Left Behind list, (NCLB) there is an option to transfer to a better school
in the Fall. The choice is not open ended, however, you will be given a list of available places and you must apply for the best one for your children.

Outside possiblity: make a case for the health of the children and/or the child care needs. But be aware, there has been little movement on that score in recent years.

Here is my situation. My grandson is very bright and is ahead one year. My granddaughter, on the other hand, is shy and was very sick this past year. She did get promoted to the 2nd grade but due to her shyness, and absenteeism, she struggled. They are in P.S. 111. I think up until the 3rd grade, the school is fine but I have seen the upper class persons and I just want a safer environment and better opportunity for my grandchildren to get into a better elementary school and, more importantly, a better high school. Midtown West is a good option, but I think we are a little late but I am trying. Although, I live in New Jersey, my grandchildren live on 55th Street, the west side and come from a very low income family.

I am working with their, mother, which is not very easy as she was a high school drop out. My son, although separated from their mother, is in his children's life and achieved high academic achievements and was also in the Marines. He now works for a law firm and tries to help out as much as possible.

Can you give me any advice as to how to get them into Midtown West. I believe it is unzoned but hard to get into. We have a chance to get into P.S. 11 but it is quite a distance and I am afraid, even if I give the other grandmother money and the mother money to get them to school, they might not get them there.

I am so worried, that my grandchildren are going to slip through the cracks. Please help me. Thank you.