In New York City where about half of the high school students don't graduate in four years, transfer schools, which offer smaller class size, and programs tailored to individual students' needs, are an increasingly important option for students who haven't been successful at a traditional high school.

Since Fall 2005, the city's Department of Education has opened 19 new transfer schools designed to help struggling students earn their high school diploma. While most transfer schools have long waitlists, new schools typically have empty seats waiting to be filled. Four new transfer schools will open in September bringing the total number in the city to 41. Programs fill up quickly, so now is the time to contact the schools and apply.

Here's a rundown on the newest schools. East Brooklyn Community High School will open in a new building in Canarsie. It is targeting students who have been truant or who have dropped out of high school, and will provide intense counseling for students and their families. Innovation Diploma Plus, opening in the Brandeis High School building on the Upper West Side, will accept students ages 16-20. Emma Lazarus High School for English Language Learners is the first transfer school to exclusively serve students who are not proficient in English. The school will accept students with zero credits, and who have attended high school for one year. The High School for Excellence and Innovation is the first transfer school to open to 8th graders who are over-age for their grade and who have failed to graduate from middle school.

Unlike regular high schools which require students to apply through a central application process in the fall, transfer schools accept students on a rolling basis throughout the school year and students apply directly to the school. Transfer schools differ from regular schools, in that class sizes are usually very small, there are more social services to support students, students can enroll and graduate mid-year, and they can earn credits by taking non-traditional courses after school or on the weekend. For example, a student may take bowling on Saturday to earn gym credits. Some transfer schools accept only students who have accumulated a minimum number of credits and coursework, while others accept students with no credits.

A few transfer schools, such as The Urban Academy, James Baldwin School, and Humanities Preparatory help a range of students, including kids who didn't fit the mold at their original high school and are looking for a different environment.

Other special programs assist students who are facing difficult life challenges. Young Adult Borough Centers (YABC) offer evening classes for students age 17.5 and older with at least 17 credits. There are also programs that provide daycare for teen parents, help court-involved youth, and programs for students with substance and drug abuse.

Every student in New York City has the right to attend school to obtain a high school diploma through the school year in which they turn 21. To find a transfer school in your area, use the advanced search in our Find a School section.