Too Much Choice

Applications for middle schools need to be submitted by Dec. 10, 2010 and you probably cannot even imagine your 10-year-old changing classes, having multiple teachers and dealing with real school responsibility for the first time.

I grew up in Bayside. I attended J.H.S. 194 in Whitestone. There was no choice in schools. That's where everyone in my elementary school, P.S. 209, went for seventh, eighth and ninth grades.

My family managed to avoid the angst of making a decision like this for a 10-year-old child. Of course, then middle schools in Bayside started in seventh grade, not sixth grade. Kids then benefitted from a whole more year of maturity to get them ready for the experience.  

Recently, you may have received an orange booklet, the "Directory of Middle School District 25" from your child's elementary school. These are the 14 schools that are among the options beyond your zoned school, where your child will automatically be accepted.

In here you can find small, themed schools, as well as large schools with smaller learning communities or focus within them.

Generally, you should be choosing your middle school based on four factors:

1. Academic approach: Is there a theme that may appeal to your child's interests. Is a gifted program or Regent's classes a priority for you? Do you need a school that has a Special Education or Collaborative Team Teaching program if that's what your child needs?
2. Extracurricular or enrichment activities: How important is it to you that your son or daughter can take dance, art, music, or be a part of a sports team? Is there an after-school program that is offered that enables more interests once the final school bell rings?
3. Size: Will your child be lost in a school of 1,000 plus students, or feel too limited by one with only 300?
4. Location: What are the travel options and do they work for your family, whether that means walking, or taking the school or city bus.

In the next Family@Bay post, I will pick up discussing the pros and cons of choosing your child's zoned school, or opting for another middle school. And may I say: welcome to the ride that is the tween years.