Arts education has taken a backseat in New York City public schools for the past few years. With emphasis placed squarely on improving reading and math test scores, the arts are too often...

At a midtown Chase Bank this morning, star-shaped mylar balloons heralded successful high school students who earned hundreds of dollars for top marks on their May AP exams. The students are...

Over the past two weeks I have been struck by the overwhelming response to Insideschools' poston banning parent-funded assistants from public schools. After reading through the numerous,...

After a flood of parent complaints about the Department of Education's crackdown on parent associations independently paying for teaching aides in crowded classrooms, the DOE is  reconsidering its...

In a lively kickoff meeting last week, District 3 parents, Department of Education officials, and others met to see how to help their schools go green. The DOE announced a commitment to cutting...

In our last poll, we asked you to tell us what you think about your school's physical education program. Almost a third of respondents told us it was great, but nearly 50 percent think there's room...

Word comes from Joyce Szuflita of  NYCSchoolHelpthat an interim acting principal was named at PS 20 in Fort Greene. The new principal, Lena Barbera, comes from a popular Boerum Hill school, PS 261,...

In an editorial in today's [Daily News](http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2009/07/29/2009-07-29itstheuftvscityparents.html?page=1), Eva Moskowitz weighs in on the controversial  decision by the...

Dear Judy, We just moved to New York City this summer. Do you have any ideas for free summer activities? New to NYC Judy answers: Dear New to NYC, Welcome to summer in New York City! Lots of...

Summer break is hardly a vacation for more than 90 schools across the city that will be moving into new locations for the new school year. For some, moving means a home in a brand-new building,...

This summer, my daughters and I are getting our hands dirty, thanks to their schools and our city. We may live in an asphalt-dominated landscape, but with minimal effort we have found green spaces...

A group of Upper West Side parents, elected officials and other concerned citizens has beenmeeting this summer to plan a new, academically challenging high school focused on journalism and writing...

I’ve never agreed with Schools Chancellor Joel Klein’s ban on cell phones in school. I understand that students shouldn’t text or chat in class. But as a New York City public school parent whose...

If you have a rising high school freshman  or sophomore and  moved to the city after Oct. 31, 2008, you still have the chance to apply to some of the city's most sought-after schools. You teen can...

In the news this past week come reports that some low-performing students, as well as students with special needs, are being pushed out of charter schools and enrolling in their neighborhood zoned...

In April, our blogger Jennifer Freeman wrote about the potential for parent-funded teachers' aides to be pushed out of our city's overcrowded classrooms. That looming threat has now become a...

Donya Rhett, PhD, aka "Bronx Mom," is a frequent commenter on The InsideSCOOP. A resident of Morris Heights, she is the parent of a 10-year-old son and an (almost) 5- year-old daughter who both...

In our last poll, we wanted to know if you supported the City Council's resolution to add Id al-Fitr and Id al-Adha to the public school holiday calendar. Thanks for your comments! Should your...

Q: I am on Facebook a lot with my friends, just to, like, stay in touch, share photos, nothing serious. Sometimes we use four-letter words in our conversation, it doesn't really mean anything. My...

Claiborne Williams Milde is the parent of a kindergartner at PS 29 and a three-year-old preschooler. She lives in Brooklyn and is a freelance writer and cook. We're pleased to welcome her regular...

The Daily News reported yesterdaythat five of the city's schools that posted the lowest scores on state math exams this year had been  opened to replace  failing schools  closed by the Department...

Looking for a slot in a public pre-Kindergarten program for September? The second round of admissions will begin on Monday, July 13, according to the Department of Education. To be eligible,...

Families of soon-to-be kindergartners or 1st-graders who are new to the city may request an application to test for gifted and talented programs. Applications are due July 16. Contact your local...

Parents of  2nd and 3rd-graders waiting to find out their gifted and talented program placement should be on the lookout! A Department of Education official confirmed that the letters were sent out...

The Department of  Education announced the launch of the Big Apple Games, a free summer recreational program that runs through August 16.  There is no registration deadline for the six-week...