The wait is almost over for students applying to middle school. On Monday, May 24, decision letters will be available for schools to pick up and distribute, according to an email sent to principals this week. The Department of Education's admissions calendar designates the "week of May, 24" for distribution of letters to families.

While the timeline for middle school admissions is standardized throughout the city, the enrollment process varies widely by district, so students are likely to get letters throughout the week, depending on how their school chooses to distribute them. 

For students being placed in Collaborative Team Teaching (CTT) or special class settings, the notification process varies among districts. In "full choice" districts, where there are no zoned schools, CTT and special class placement letters will be sent out the same time as other middle school letters. In "limited choice" districts, where most students attend their zoned school, students will receive notice of middle school placements from their elementary school no later than June 2. <!--more-->

Where required, students must hand in their completed acceptance forms or appeal applications (if declining their offer) to their elementary school guidance counselor by June 2.

We have asked the DOE for more information about the appeals process this year and we'll report back when more details are made available. Last year, students appealing their middle school placement could apply to any choice program or school so long as students met the school's admissions criteria and the school's admissions process was handled by the Office of Student Enrollment. That included schools to which a child previously applied as well as new middle schools opening in September. 

The DOE has not yet set a date for notification of appeal decisions. Last year, students found out by the end of June.   

We're curious how the distribution of middle school letters was handled by your district and school. Any glitches?  Did it run smoothly? 

Comment below.