2. These opinions are based on direct observations, reading, and comments from others.

3. Keep in mind that there is no “perfect school.” I recommend evaluating schools based on the needs and predilections of each child. Consider your child’s strengths and challenges and personality. Understand
the personality of the school and expectations by the school of both parents and child.

4. Consider
the importance to you of a broad based educational experience that
includes not only the basics, but the “enrichment” courses, e.g.,
dance, art, foreign languages. In my opinion, the United States is one of the few countries in the world where individuals are not expected to be proficient in more than one language.

5. I
did consider how the schools scored on the State’s tests, but did not
view the scores definitive determinants of the school’s value. The scores can be misleading. New York State
standards in English and math are below National standards and it is my
understanding that national standards and results are far below
international results and expectations.

6. Finally, consider the intangibles important for your child to learn. For me, strong critical thinking and analytical skills are key. In my opinion, the future requires children who can not only re-build the “box’ and think outside the box, they must think about new shapes in new universes.

7. These lists are not meant to be
exhaustive, just a sampling of schools worthy of investigating. I apologize in advance for any errors. Some
of my information is based on observations and discussions in
2006/2007school year and school policies, especially public ones, can
change radically from one year to another. The new report card system had no bearing on my picks.

8. The
New York City Board of Education, a common factor for all NYC public
schools, is constantly experimenting with public schools and therefore
with our
children. It interferes and “fixes” successful schools. Nonetheless, there are still some good public school picks.

9. Students must be 5 (five) years old by December 31, 2008 to start Kindergarten in 2008.

Community Roots Charter School
Phone: (718) 858-1629, Principal: Allison Keil/Sara Stone relatively new K- 5 charter school in
51 Saint Edwards Street
Lottery. May give preference to residents in the school’s District 13 this year.

Dual model – 2 certified teachers per classroom, co-principals, 2 classes per grade. Nuturing environment. Strong parent involvement. Strong academics. Balanced literacy used for reading and Everyday math and or TERC used for math. Foreign language, gym instruction and afterschool may be less developed.Project based instruction. School bus may be available

Special Music School of America of (PS 859) 
129 West 67th Street
NEW YORK, NY 10023  Phone: (212) 501-3318, Principal: Jenny Bonnet city-wide, gifted, k- 8 school with rigorous music training in Lincoln Center, Manhattan. Competitive selection

Strong music and academic training

School Tour: January 16^th, March 5^th at 6:30

New Explorations in Science Technology and Math (NEST+M) (PS 539)
111 Columbia Street 10002
Phone: (212)
677-5190 Principal: Olga Livanis
relatively new citywide, gifted k-12 in Lower East side, Competitive selection, must take Board of Education gifted test. High academic expectations, reasonable homework in K, individual help provided where needed, children enjoy the school K students encouraged to develop into readers and writers. Project
based, plus more traditional, instruction. Singapore math used in K- 6 emphasizing empowerment and independent thinking. Strong parent involvement. Strong focus on science, accelerated in Middle and Upper schools, affiliation with New York University science departments. On-site after-school enrichment options – Wingspan.No school bus available for Brooklyn, yet; new administration settling into its job Foreign language needs strengthening in Lower School, currently teach Spanish

Shuang Wen (PS 184)
327 Cherry St.
NY   Phone: (212) 602-9700 Principal: Ms. Ling Ling Chou .  unusual opportunity for strong academics combined with immersion Mandarin Chinese in Chinatown, Manhattan. Tour schedule and admission criteria may not be published, so call the school for updated information. Day ends at
5:30 p.m., afternoon taught solely in Mandarin. Lottery for admission, but not sure whether will require residence in school’s district next year. Prior to 2007, students admitted living throughout the City. Primary teacher and assistant in the class. High expectations, may have homework in K. Free tutoring for students who need assistance. Exposure to Chinese culture

PS 8 in Brooklyn Heights – Strong, visionary principal is transforming the school. Magnet school. Admissions not clear once magnet grant expires. High parent involvement. No gym, may not have foreign language. High achievers may not be challenged. http://www.ps8pta.org/ (718)834-6740
PS 10 Magnet School For Math, Science and Design Technology. Park Slope. Local admission or variance. Former magnet school. Scores not impressive, but many parents are impressed with the school’s program. (718) 965-1190
PS 11 in Clinton Hill. New,
visionary, dynamic principal with strong education background and focus
is working closely with parents to transform the school. Is phasing out gifted
classes. Strong parent involvement. Contact principal for variance  http://www.ps11brooklyn.org/ ( 718) 638-2661
PS 20 in Ft. Greene. Strong principal is trying to transform this school, which offers gifted classes. Contact principal for variance. (718) 834-6744
 PS 29 Cobble Hill. Empowerment school. Admissions is challenging outside of its zone.
http://www.ps29brooklyn.org/home.aspx (718) 330-9277
PS 58 Carroll Gardens. Dual French/English program offered. Neighborhood admission. (347) 563-5379
PS 261 Cobble Hill. Strong, dynamic principal continues to improve this impressive local school. Willing to provide “individual” attention to students who are above or below the median. Strong,
fun science program with Carmello the Science Fellow. Varied afterschool options, including arts and language. Strong parent involvement. I felt good about this school.
http://ps261.org/ (718) 330-9275

 PS 321 – Park Slope. Empowerment School. Consistently high scores on standardized tests. Challenging admission outside of the zone. http://www.ps321.org/home.aspx (718) 499-2412

 PS 372 – The Children’s School – Park Slope – highly regarded, inclusion, 2 teachers per classroom model. May be lottery; check with the school. In prior years, the school discouraged applicants outside the district. (718) 624-5271

PS 364, Earth School – East Village, Manhattan. Progressive, alternative PK – 6 school. Lottery. Focus on science and hands-on projects. http://www.theearthschool.org/ (212) 4771735

· A few preliminary thoughts:

o It
is challenging shopping for both public and independent schools
simultaneously because independent schools require a financial
commitment by February and most public schools (except your zoned
school) will not make a commitment
until March – September.

o Early Steps, Inc. (212- 288-9684)
targets families whose children will enter kindergarten or first grade.
The Early Steps program is a resource for both independent schools and
families. The program assists independent schools to increase their
racial diversity and guides and supports parents of color through the
application, admissions, and financial aid process.

o Many independent schools have a cut-off date of August 31 by which the child must be 5 years old to enter Kindergarten. A few schools have later dates.

o If
you are considering an independent school, if possible, talk with
teenagers or young adults who have attended the school to hear their
perspectives on the school, especially those who may be on scholarship
or who are not part of the majority profile.

· Independent Schools with impressive community feel and strong academics

o Brooklyn Heights Montessori in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn

o Village Community School in the Village, Manhattan

o Also, many like Brooklyn Friends School in Downtown, Brooklyn

· Schools that may have funds available to support diversity, in different areas

o The Packer Collegiate School in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn

o Saint Ann’s School in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn –
strong, diverse arts program

· Schools with strong foreign language programs

o International School – Brooklyn, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

o Little Red School House – Village, Manhattan

· School with strong African culture and small class size

o  Cush Campus Schools (based on discussion with current parent, I have no personal knowledge)