Middle school letters sent home

Long-awaited letters to 5th graders applying to middle school were mailed to families beginning on Friday, May 30 notifying students of where they had been accepted. Students have until Thursday, June 12 either to accept or reject the offer and return the letter to their elementary school guidance counselor.

The admissions timeline was standardized citywide this year to make the calendar uniform around the city and notification comes far later than usual. Speaking at the May 22 meeting of the District 15 Community Education Council, Sandy Ferguson, director of middle school enrollment at the Department of Education, vowed that the timetable would be earlier next year.

"I know people would like earlier notification," Ferguson said. "I'd like to bring it [notification] at least one month earlier next year."

How to appeal

Although the timeline was standardized this year, admissions requirements still vary from district to district. In districts where there has historically been an appeals process —districts 1-4 in Manhattan and districts 13-16 in Brooklyn, according to Ferguson —families unhappy with the middle school match may appeal. However there is no guarantee of success.

Appeals will be granted primarily for "legitimate" reasons of health or travel issues, according to Ferguson, who noted that there will likely be "no other seats [available] in the most desirable schools."

The appeals process varies from district to district, Ferguson said. If you wish to appeal, ask your elementary school guidance counselor for a form.

Pamela Wheaton, June 4, 2008

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