__In the summer program:__ "StreetSquash students gain exposure to a broad range of experiences outside Harlem through opportunities for middle school students to attend sleep-away camp and for hig...

“What’s a MySchools account?” “How can I speak with my child’s teacher who doesn’t speak any Spanish? “Do my kids get a school bus?” “I used to be a mechanic in my home country, how can I get a...

The following is a sponsored message from Family Life Academy Charter Schools. Your Child’s Journey Begins Here. Family Life Academy Charter Schools (FLACS) are K-12 free public charter schools...

If you haven’t found a middle school seat for your child at this late date or are unhappy with the one you have, don't despair. Sometimes space opens up the first week of September—as families move...

Shanieka, mother of 1 (PS 217 Colonel David Marcus School) “My son has ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and autism, so partnering with the school, being a parent advocate so he can...

John, father of 3, who have attended the following schools: PS 87, PS 75, PS 112 M, PS 206 M, Neighborhood Charter School of Harlem, Booker T. Washington, Computer School, Frank Sinatra, and...

High school can be a scary time. One day you’re in a school with preteens, and the next you’re passing by 18-year-olds in the hallway who can drive and vote. Middle to high school is a huge...

In middle school, the academic work gets harder. Help your tween read better with three easy tips you can do at home. 1) “Click or Clunk”: Check your understanding Help your child become a...

For parents and caregivers, finding an affirming school for your LGBTQ+ child can be overwhelming. NYC public schools have policies protecting LGBTQ+ students, families and educators. Here are...

The following is a sponsored message from Ascend Public Charter Schools. Join Ascend, with caring, committed teachers who see the brilliance and potential in every child! Attend an Open House or...

Many schools have after-school programs to accommodate children of parents who work. Some of these programs are free, but most charge a fee. Some after-school programs are held in the school...

Nearly 15% of New York City public high school students and about 18% of middle school students attend academically “screened” schools that rely on such factors as student grade point averages and...

Mayor Bill de Blasio’s proposal to end use of the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) would make the city’s most elite public high schools more racially and ethnically diverse. The...

A quick primer on types of middle schools and what to look for:

Here are the basics on how to apply to middle schools in the city:

This guide will help you research schools, dive into the data, and ask the right questions on your middle school visits.

Check MySchools for the most up-to-date admissions information.* In New York City, most students attend either their zoned middle school or one within their school district. For those looking for...

Charter schools are free, public schools open to all New York City students. They are founded by not-for-profit Boards of Trustees and operate under a contract (or "charter") of up to five years....

Any child between the ages of 5 and 21 who has not graduated from high school is entitled to a free public education. Pre-k begins the year a child turns 4. It is encouraged but not mandatory, and...

The following is a paid message from School in the Square. School in the Square (S2) is a FREE, PreK–12 public charter school now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year. S2 engages,...

InsideSchools director Natasha Quiroga appeared before the New York City Council Joint Immigration and Education Committee to share our insights and observations from helping over 400 newly arrived...

Contacting the Department of Education is like calling any huge bureaucracy: You have to follow a lot of prompts before getting to a real person. Once you do reach someone, we’ve found that the...

On a recent hot summer day, July 27th, InsideSchools hosted its first workshop for asylum-seeking immigrants. Our group included several InsideSchools staff, and parent and student volunteers. On...

InsideSchools has helped millions of families like yours understand the NYC public school system. Now, we need your help to make sure the newest New Yorkers can navigate their educational journey...

The wait is over! Fifth-graders across the city received their middle school offers. What was your school search like? What did you look for? How did you learn about schools? Are you happy with...