High school reviews
News and views
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Specialized prep open to 6th & 7th graders
Written by Pamela Wheaton on Wednesday, 15 February 2012 15:38A prep program for high-achieving, low-income middle school students aimed at bettering their chance for acceptance to one of the city's specialized high schools is open to both 6th and 7th graders this year. Previously the Specialized High School Institute (SHSI) 16-month prep course began only in the spring of 6th grade and continued until students took the test as 8th-graders in October. The Department of Education issued new guidelines for the program now called… -
Boys and Girls HS: Is this school failing?
Written by Nancy Bruni on Tuesday, 14 February 2012 11:21Boys and Girls High School is a failing school by many standards. The New York City Department of Education gave it a grade of “F” on its 2011 Progress Report. Only 45.7% of students graduate in four years and just 19.7% of them enroll in college. Out of those, 4.2% of students are considered ready for college. On any given day, a quarter of students are missing from school. Those that show up pass through… Read more -
College Counselor: Applying for financial aid
Written by Dr. Jane S. Gabin on Tuesday, 14 February 2012 10:33Q: My niece is a US citizen by birth, but grew up and attended school outside the country. Now she is graduating from high school and wants to go to college in the U.S. I need to know how to fill out the financial aid forms, using whose income and tax returns – or does she apply on her own? Please, we need some help! A: As a U.S. citizen, your niece is entitled to… Read more -
Poll: In high school, does size matter?
Written by Anna Schneider on Friday, 27 January 2012 14:05A research study released last week found that teens at new small high schools in New York City are more likely to graduate than their peers at other, larger schools. Under the Mayor's watch, the Department of Education has shuttered many large schools and continues to push for small schools as a better alternative. Large high schools offer a variety of courses, AP classes and special programs in addition to an array of after-school activities… -
What's happened to PE in schools?
Written by Pamela Wheaton on Friday, 27 January 2012 11:02Physical education programs in New York City public schools are woefully inadequate. An October audit by the City Comptroller's office showed that few schools meet the state standards, which call for daily PE for grades K-3; three times a week for grades 4-6, and 90 minutes a week for older students.The comptroller's audit was prompted by the Women's City Club of New York (WCC) a non-profit civic organization, whose members advocate for more physical education… -
Schools opening, closing & expanding
Written by Insideschools staff on Tuesday, 31 January 2012 10:45On February 9, the Panel for Education Policy will meet to vote on the future of the 25 schools up for phase-out and closure. Hearings are held at the schools; in some cases parents and students are protesting outside the schools prior to the meetings. Protests generally begin at 5 p.m.; hearings at 6 p.m. As schools are phased out and closed, others open in their place. Details about some of the proposed new schools can… Read more
How to apply to high school
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High school choice and application
New York City is blessed and cursed by the most extensive system of school choice in the country. Everyone must apply to high school. Choose carefully. Once you enroll, it’s really hard to transfer. The yearlong application process begins at the end of 7th grade,… Read more and watch video
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Weighing your options
The first thing to consider is whether you want a school close to home or far away. Tip: check out the commute before you apply. Imagine what it will be like on a dark, snowy day in February. Some students happily travel halfway across the… Read more and watch video