Your independent guide to NYC public schools

I am new to your site and would like any suggestions on my middle school problem. I recently moved to a new zip zone in Brooklyn,NY under a new district but my son was placed in a middle school under the old district. Needless to say this school is on the list of failing NYC schools; is violence prone and does not have good reviews. One of the reasons we moved was so that he could have a better selection of middle schools to attend. I went to the Borough office for our district to initiate a transfer and was told that they cannot change the school to our new selection since it is not one and a half hour from our new home and does not constitue a hardship of travel to us. I am so frustrated with the NYC school system. Parents are trying to do what is best for their child's education but the system wants to lock you into these failing schools. I cannot see how this best serves the interest of my child. I don't have the resources to send him to private school but want him to have the best opportunity to succeed. Has anyone else ever gone thru this and what advice can you give? Looking forward to all responses.

This is ridiculous. The rule about traveling 1 1/2 hours to school is for high school students, not middle school students. Try appealing to Sandy Ferguson, head of enrollment for middle schools. If that doesn't work try Robert Sanft, head of enrollment for the whole city. Find their contact info under "DOE contacts."