Dear Judy

I am at sea. We just realized that finances will not allow my daughter to continue at the  private school where she is  finishing 8th grade. What can we do find a public high school at this late date?.

Distressed

Dear Distressed,

You are entering the great New York City high school hunt at a most frustrating time for all, not just newcomers but kids with no previous matches and those who are disappointed in their assignment.  Parents and students in this group have spent weeks revisiting schools, either hoping for a place in a school that previously overlooked them, finding a new possibility among some they did not consider before, or investigating one of the schools slated to start in September. Now the “supplementary round” application has been submitted and the results will not be known until the end of May.  Appeals must be filed by June 3.

As a brand new entrant, you have to be a bit patient but you don’t have to wait forever; enrollment offices are open year round and, in fact, according to the director of high school enrollment, Leonard Trerotola, you can still submit an application by FAX to 212-374-5568 . You can also visit the student enrollment office nearest you to put your application in motion. The sooner the better but first do some research.

"Most high schools are not in the recruitment phase, but it often is helpful to call the Parent Coordinator for information about the school," suggests Rob Sanft, director of the enrollment office at the Department of Education. He said that you don't have to wait to apply until August, when special enrollment offices open.<!--more-->

A good strategy is to narrow the search geographically, choose the neighborhoods and boroughs that are within reasonable distance and access to transit.  You can do an advanced search on Insideschools to find schools in your preferred area and read what our reviewers say about them.  Be sure to find out the admission requirements for each school – don’t reach unrealistically for schools that are super-popular or whose criteria your child doesn’t meet. Each school has a page in the high school directory that lists requirements for admission as well as details about Advanced Placement courses, sports, and the school's graduation rate. Take a look also at the directory of new schools opening in September and read our round-upon the schools that still had openings when placements were announced.

There are several documents you need to enroll, including your child’s transcript.  Often private schools delay or even refuse to send transcripts, so make that request right away.

There is no guarantee that you will matched to one of the schools you choose. If you are given a placement that is unacceptable to you, submit an appeal before June 3.

And, there is a school of thought that says you might be better off waiting to apply until late August, along with newcomers to the city and others who don't yet have a placement. Spaces may open up over the summer. We'd like to hear from other parents who may have had a similar experience so please chime in to share your thoughts.

Good luck in the hunt.

Judy