Still looking for a new school for next September? You may want to consider one of the 17 elementary or middle schools that will be opening next fall. Most have been in the works for awhile, but a few are awaiting approval by thePanel for Education Policy (PEP) which is meeting tonight, March 23, and again on April 20. In addition, about 30 new charter schools will be opening.

Some schools are opening to ease overcrowding in existing neighborhood schools while others are targeting families looking for choices beyond their zoned schools, still others are replacing schools that are closing. Several schools will occupy newly constructed buildings.

Most elementary schools are opening with pre-kindergarten or kindergarten classes; most middle schools are accepting 6th-graders. Applications for new middle schools  are due to elementary school guidance counselors by March 24. Ask your guidance counselor for one.  For specific admissions information, check with the school directly.<!--more-->

Here's a rundown of  the new schools.

Bronx

After last year’s flurry of school openings and closings in the Bronx, in 2010 only a couple of new schools have been announced. In District 11, Van Nest Academy, a K – 8 school will open in a new building that it will share with the Carl C. Icahn North Bronx Charter School.

In District 10, the Academy for Personal Leadership and Excellence middle school will replace MS 399, which is scheduled to close in June, 2011.

Brooklyn

In District 17, The New American Academy will offer trilingual instruction in English, French, and Spanish in "open" classrooms where 60 students will be taught by four teachers. In its inaugural year, this unzoned school will accept kindergartners and 1st-graders.

District 20 will get four new elementary schools to help alleviate overcrowding. PS 310, PS 971 and PS 264, all slated for new facilities, will each draw students from new zones carved out of areas already serving crowded neighborhood schools. PS 748will accept students from across the district.

District 13 families will have a new option for middle school. The Fort Greene Preparatory Academy, located in Fort Greene,  is  a selective admissions school drawing students from across the district.

District 23 will be getting two new schools: Mott Hall Bridges Middle School will serve grades 6 – 8 while PS 747, A Great Start Academy will serve grades K – 5.

Manhattan

In District 2, the proposed opening of elementary school PS 267,on the top two floors of PS 158is pending a final vote by the PEP during its March meeting.  In downtown Manhattan, PS 276 , which opened last year with three kindergartens classes, will add a 6th grade in September, 2010 when it moves to a new "green" building.

In District 3, final approval toopen elementary school PS 452 in the MS 44 building is up for a vote at the April 20 PEP meeting.

Queens

Two elementary schools and two combined middle/high schools are opening in Queens in September.

PS 273 in District 27 and PS 280 in District 30 will each serve students in grades K– 5.

In District 28, the Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School will serve grades 6 – 12. It will share a new facility with the Queens Metropolitan High School.

In District 29, the proposed opening of The Eagle Academy for Young Men III, an all male school serving grades 6 -12, is pending avote by the PEP at the March meeting.

Staten Island

PS 74, Future Leaders Elementary School is the only school new school opening on Staten Island in September. It will serve grades K - 5.

Stay tuned to the InsideScoop for more information about the new schools. We'll post updates as we get them.