UrbanBaby

[ - ] Any news on when G&T wait lists will be finalized. Waiting on gen Ed wait list to move. 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 05.15.13, 11:29 PM Flag

no waitlists in g&t, just placement. who knows? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 11:32 PM Flag

I meant G&T placements. When will they be set so people have to give up their gen Ed spot? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 11:36 PM Flag

Didn't they say around June 17? It will be sometime in the 2nd half of June, but before school is officially over. They will leave the last week of June for registration. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 12:51 AM Flag

Notices will (hopefully still) go out June 17, but the registration window will presumably last through the school year, meaning that the waitlists movement from families releasing seats will not shake out till the summer. Most of the movement should happen before school starts but multiple principals have told me that they still admit sone kids through November. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 01:37 AM Flag

Oh yes, when I referred to registration, I was only referring to registration for G&T placements. My understanding has always been that up until 10/31, the population at any given school may be in flux. Apparently 10/31 is the date used to count the students in each school, which in turn directly relates to the funding per capita for each school (there are many other factors that go into school funding besides the per capita). [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 09:35 AM Flag

I got that - I just jumped in because OP had asked about GenEd waitlists specifically. And you're right about the funding, though schools do often still take kids after 10/31 (in many cases because they have to), but budgets are locked based on the register on that date. At least two D15 principals have told me that they still admit off the waitlist into November if seats open up at that point because people are dying to get in and any new students at that point would be replacing other students who left -- and funding for those kids would already be locked in. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 03:54 PM Flag

[ - ] I'd like more opinions on the Professional Children's School. Academics, environment, teachers, overall good school? 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 05.15.13, 09:44 PM Flag

I want to know too. How does this compare to PPAS other than the fact one is private the other public. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 10:00 PM Flag

I didn't go there, but friends did. It is a really lame school in every way, intended to meet basic educational/socialization requirements for kids who can never be in school on a predictable schedule because of casting calls and auditions but want a Plan B (college option) if the "professional" Plan A doesn't work out in the long run. FWIW, most of the "professionals" there are tv commercial or modeling hopefuls with wicked, crazy stage mamas. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 12:13 AM Flag

The NYC Prep girl from Nightingale went there when she got booted from NBS after making an ass of herself on the show. And her college prospects went from "Harvard hopeful" to William and Mary. Nuff said. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 12:09 AM Flag

[ - ] What are the best pub MS in Manhattan? Is it also by district or are there many citywide schools? 13 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 05.15.13, 09:31 PM Flag

this is a great week to ask. Middle school letters to be distributed on Friday! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 09:38 PM Flag

friday? I thought Monday? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 09:46 PM Flag

Anderson. Hands down. Voted as such in that big report at year end--think it's the Observer, not sure. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 10:56 PM Flag

Got an email from DoE saying it's today, yikes! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 01:42 PM Flag

Middle School is by District, and there are also some citywides. In Manhattan, NEST expands for middle school by 50-70 seats and has a separate admission test. Anderson only has a few spots for 6th grade since it doesn't really expand. ICE is a progressive citywide middle/high school that is popular. District 2 has many great middle schools - Salk, Lab, East Side Middle, Clinton, MAP, SOF and I've left some out. You rank the district schools and are matched to 1. District 1 and 3 have fewer good choices, but D. 3 has Delta, very popular. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 09:44 PM Flag

^^^I should add that there is no "best". There are many very good ones and each has strengths. Best often depends on your kid. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 09:45 PM Flag

Baruch SP and Wagner SP are also very good. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 09:47 PM Flag

I don't think ICE qualifies as one of the "best." [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 10:22 PM Flag

I also don't think Clinton is one of the best [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 01:48 AM Flag

Alas, NEST will soon not be expanding, because the DOE is filling the seats and there are 4 classes each grade (5 classes in 3rd this year, in fact). By 2015, there will likely only be 15-20 new seats at 6th, and then another 10-15 in 7th to replace the kids who move to Hunter. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 04:48 AM Flag

It is by district but Nest, Anderson, and ICE have citywide applications. Best varies by district [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 09:46 PM Flag

there are some citywides but most are district. District 2 is by FAR the best in terms of number of good options. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 10:14 PM Flag

This is all pretty much correct - good luck everyone!! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 12:26 PM Flag

[ - ] How Jewish is CGPS? Will my kid be one of only a few celebrating Christmas? 4 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 05.15.13, 08:46 PM Flag

No of course not. There are plenty of non Jews and many Jews celebrate Christmas. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 08:49 PM Flag

VERY jewish - yes you will. or one of 3, my Jewsh GF said that if she had wanted to send DD to Jewish school she would have, but there is no diversity there. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 09:35 PM Flag

^^^As in other religions than J [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 09:36 PM Flag

Your kid and my kid can celebrate Christmas together in CG. :) I thought the new parents look diverse. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 05:38 PM Flag

[ - ] DD is a rising 9th grader. We have about $130K saved for her college. She is strong in math and science (and is headed to Stuy.) Where can I find out about scholarships that are not need-based since I assume we won't qualify for FA? I want to understand generally what's out there and then I'll try to relax until junior year. TIA. 12 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 05.15.13, 08:20 PM Flag

This isn't that helpful but I remember when I was in college there was a huge book of evey scholarship available that my high school had. It was published annually. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 08:23 PM Flag

OP: I'm sure there's a list like that now. I'll search. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 08:29 PM Flag

There are a number of good state colleges that give merit based scholarships to their honors colleges. Your dd would be a good candidate for one of those. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 08:33 PM Flag

I would look seriously at the SUNY schools and the state branches of Cornell. Even scholarship $$$ is unlikely to bring college costs down to in-state levels. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 08:40 PM Flag

Unless your daughter qualifies for the very top private schools, it makes no sense to pay private school tuition at anywhere near sticker price when she can get an equally good education at public universities. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 10:51 PM Flag

Some larger companies have scholarships for children of employees - ask HR. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 08:50 PM Flag

your qualifications for need-based FA are based on your HHI and assets, not how much you've saved for college. Alas, if you're mc (NY-are hhi above $150-200K), there really aren't too many merit-based scholarships available, I found. At least not for my super-high achieving jewish Long Island kid! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 09:47 PM Flag

^^I mean at highly selective private colleges... [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 09:47 PM Flag

I am sure that Stuy guidance department will help your DD with that. Bx Sci does. It's your earnings and your savings that factor in FA. Merit-based non-athletic scholarships are few and far between, and unless your DD is truly exceptional like a winner of Intel or something outstanding like that, you are looking at footing the bill in its entirety. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 02:53 PM Flag

I agree that your DD's guidance department is the place to start - even if they don't provide active support to students, they'll have all the info on which scholarships are available, when/how to apply, and what each looks for. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 03:03 PM Flag

There are more colleges than you think. Here is a list from the NY Times last year. Many public schools offering merit scholarships on the list but also Top 5 schools (Stanford and UChicago), top liberal arts colleges (Bowdoin, Macalester, Davidson, Carleton, 3 out of 5 Claremont colleges, 3 out of 5 remaining Seven Sisters colleges) and other top schools like Johns Hopkins, Carnegie Mellon, Boston University, Boston College, Vanderbilt, BU, Boston College, Brandeis, etc. And this list doesn't even mention one that I learned about recently: a competitive one at William & Mary. So even if a school is not on the list, if dc is interested in it, do some research into it. Here's the list: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/07/08/education/edlife/8edlife_chart.html?_r=0 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.17.13, 06:06 AM Flag

fund your retirement. And tell her she's going to SUNY for undergrad. She can go fancy for grad school (where she'll be funded). [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.17.13, 06:19 AM Flag

[ - ] Has anyone successfully moved dc from private to selective public (i.e. Salk) for middle school? If yes, when did you go to the DOE to request testing - 4th grade school year or summer? Just called the DOE and the woman was vague and unsure. I'm trying to get the timing/process down as current school will not be helping much... 11 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 05.15.13, 07:04 PM Flag

You don't "request testing" -- the DOE probably had no idea what you were talking about. Salk uses your dc's private school records and their own school-based test that all applicants take in 5th grade. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 07:02 PM Flag

oh, okay. that makes sense. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 07:07 PM Flag

Call Salk and I'm sure parent coordinator will explain it to you. All privates do ERB-like tests and ongoing testing, and that's what you submit along with your child's report card. If your school doesn't do state tests, you don't have to have your child take them, they'll just take whatever tests the student took in private school. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 07:13 PM Flag

this is very helpful, thank you!! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 07:22 PM Flag

As someone who jsut went through the middle school process, here is what you need to do.Google the NYC DOE middle school choice page. Attend the middle school fair in the Fall. You will need to sign up for school tours on your own via each school's website. The tours/fiars are helpful and for some schools you need to attend these to be considered. Each school has their own criteria. You should request a district choice form ...I am assuming the district enrollment office would ahve one for you. You rank the schools in the order you want, some schools require you to put them 1st. That happens in December. Then in Feb/march the selective schools notify you to come interview and "test", many have their own tests. You should call the district 2 enrollment office to find out what scores to submit. But honestly, offer letetrs are coming out Monday and they are probably busy. This is somethign to think about in the fall, but the directory from this year is online and you can see what the schools require [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 07:25 PM Flag

Whoa! A helpful and polite response. What's happening to UB? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 07:28 PM Flag

op - amazing, thank you!! you are so appreciated! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 07:23 PM Flag

NP - and DC loved Salk and she's now at a selective HS. GL and let us know how it goes. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 07:27 PM Flag

your welcome! it is still fresh in my mind, we are wating on pins and needles for the letter on Monday! I remember at the fair there were definitley people there applying from privates, so you are not alone. Also, you could look on some of the public school websites for info, many of them have middle school information for parents online as well. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 07:32 PM Flag

op - wow, sending you good energy! hope you get something great for dc. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 07:32 PM Flag

Thanks! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 07:37 PM Flag

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NY Schools 05.15.13, 07:04 PM Flag

[ - ] Earth School, Neighborhood School or East Village Community School and why? Any other reasonable candidates in District 1? 9 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 05.15.13, 04:46 PM Flag

I am only familiar with Earth School, I did my student teaching there a few years ago and loved it. The teachers are caring and hardworking and the families who send their children there seem involved and great. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 04:47 PM Flag

all 3 are great schools with very nice families and good teachers. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 04:53 PM Flag

Not a fan of progressive. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:12 PM Flag

I'm totally a fan of progressive but not a fan of the DOE. I have dcs in a private progressive and live in D1. Too bad this entire district is a lottery...too bad this district is like a child left alone at home. When will the DOE change...maybe never [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:30 PM Flag

honestly Earth and Neighborhood are as good as any of the (downtown) progressives--small classes, great teachers etc. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 06:02 PM Flag

That's may be but the fact that it's all lottery, larger class sizes and the DOE doesn't make it worth it to me. You can love one of these schools but it's a craps game and you may not get your first r second choice. I have experience with the DOE when it was the board of Ed and there is no love loss here. The DOE just doesn't do much for this district [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 06:13 PM Flag

^^^and when I say they have larger classes, I'm comparing to the class of 12 kids at our private. I can't see the DOE having small classes like that. I really wish this district would be run differently. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 06:21 PM Flag

It's public school--did you expect to have a tiny class? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 01:26 AM Flag

No I don't expect it but if they're going to have large classes they should have more than one teacher especially in K, 1, 2. I think the DOE doesn't Care much for the poorer areas...if they did they would reconfigure the districts to be more inclusive. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 10:15 AM Flag

[ - ] Got by DD's ERB score. 93. I know playdates and school reports are important. Will this score hold him back from TT schools? 47 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 05.15.13, 04:38 PM Flag

i think some schools have a cut off of 96 unless you are legacy/sibling [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 04:35 PM Flag

Honestly, I don't buy ERB score thing, since I know six kids who got admitted from TT schools with low 90s ERB score. They do care more playdates and reports from school. I know one kid in TT and her score was 78. All school was shock!! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 04:42 PM Flag

Eh, not a shock really. A score in the mid 70s to low 80s at TT schools is more common than posters here would have you believe. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.17.13, 05:13 AM Flag

the other factors are more important and 93 won't totally rule her out, but be sure to apply to a range of schools (unless you are ok with your public option) [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 04:54 PM Flag

I don't think so. DD had a 92 and was accepted at 4 schools, one SS TT (which we did not choose, btw) and 3 2Ts. The only school that made a negative comment about the ERBs to the PSD was Spence. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:05 PM Flag

PS: this was 2 years ago, not sure whether things changed in the meantime. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:07 PM Flag

??? Why didn't you choose the TT? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:09 PM Flag

We preferred another school (SS 2T), as the outlook and values were more in line with ours. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:09 PM Flag

What were the section scores? Was she pretty even across all the sub-tests or did one score drag down the rest? That matters too. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:04 PM Flag

Yes, if a 99x3 kid has one super-low subtest, it can be a marker for future learning disabilities and is a red flag for some schools. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:15 PM Flag

My DS aced the Performance section of the ERB, got 19 scale score on 3 of 4 subtests and 18 on the 4th (sum of scaled scores was 75). His Verbal section was more average (sum of scaled scores was 55). His full scale score was 130, 99%. He didn't get in anywhere. Schools don't want to see that kind of "scatter" and most put more weight on the Verbal score. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:26 PM Flag

He was also a youngish boy (May birthday). [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:29 PM Flag

np Not if it's coding. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:39 PM Flag

Coding is no longer on the test. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:46 PM Flag

Really? What's the 8th test now? Or are there only 7. My second kid got 98 on coding and psd said she'd never seen a score that high (#1 had low 90s on that test). [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:43 PM Flag

Still 8 subtests. They replaced 2 subtests this year (one each from verbal and performance sections). Not sure what the new subtests are. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:52 PM Flag

Very low coding can be a warning for attention issues and slow processing speed. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:43 PM Flag

I agree with the above poster that the section scores matter. With a 93, it matters to some schools whether the verbal and performance scores are even. I was told that having a balanced score, like 93/93/93, is preferable to having something like a 85/99/93. Also, like other posters said, schools differ on how much they care about the ERB score. Even some 2Ts say they want 96+ unless sibling/legacy. That's not to say that we can't all name an exception to that rule. Just because people can name exceptions, though, doesn't mean that, all else equal, a 93 has the same shot at TT as a 99. I do think you have a chance at most of the schools, though. 93 is an great score. Although I understand why you've asked the question, you should be proud. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:17 PM Flag

NP: My ds had 99v/84p and is at a tt. Also had two second tier accepts and multiple WL. I think those scores don't wow anyone, but they don't keep a great smart kid out of any school. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 09:30 PM Flag

When's his birthday? If he's a fall birthday kid (will be just about 6 entering K), no worries. If he's a summer birthday (won't be 6 until K year is complete), worries. What I've figured out is that the older kids are "allowed" to have slightly lower ERB scores, the younger kids need 97+ to even be given a second glance. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:16 PM Flag

Especially true for boys. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:17 PM Flag

The post doesn't make clear whether DC is a he or a she. Says both "DD" and "him." [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:23 PM Flag

Probably out. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:21 PM Flag

OP: Yes was uneven.... 97/80/93 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:21 PM Flag

Is English her first language? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:28 PM Flag

OP: The verbal score was the high score. The performance was lower. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:37 PM Flag

She'll do fine with admissions. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:35 PM Flag

np How do you know? Seriously, we have good friends whose kid is adorable and well behaved. 99x3 erb. Not a single tt accept. One wl. And they were somewhat connected. Not the least bit pita-ish, either. It's beyond competitive out there and for you to tell OP she'll do fine (she's asking about top schools!) is misleading. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:46 PM Flag

Where did she end up? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 08:07 PM Flag

What were all the scaled scores of the 8 subtests? Did just one of the subtests in verbal drag down the score? Or were they all lower/80%? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:30 PM Flag

OP: She is a girl with a fall birthday so entering at almost age six. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:30 PM Flag

This works in her favor BIGTIME. If she has a glowing school report and good playdate/interview, she'll probably do well with admissions. Was the written/comments section of ERB report positive/say nice things about her? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:31 PM Flag

OP: The written/comments section couldn't have been more positive. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:39 PM Flag

np They're all favorable. Kid could get 70 and sound like a genius if you only read the report. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:35 PM Flag

np I think you're wrong about that. Older kid should be able to sit for a test better than a kid who's just turned 4. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:42 PM Flag

No because the ERB is scored using age-bands, so the older kids are compared to older kids and the younger kids to younger kids. The schools themselves absolutely 100% prefer older applicants. At my DCs school, I'd say 75% of their classrooms have birthdays in Sept-Dec and the few summer birthday kids were all redshirted (6 when they started K). [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:39 PM Flag

You're assuming the other kids in this child's age band aren't getting high erbs. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:42 PM Flag

Sorry, it is 2 different things. The actual score on the ERB itself is age-banded by the ERB (the testing agency). So the younger kids can make more errors than the older kids and receive the same score. BUT, when the schools look at the scores, they are more likely to consider an older child with a 95 ERB than a younger child with a 95. This is simply because they know that older kids generally do better with the curriculum than younger kids. They want a group of kids who skews older and who also does well on ERB. The only way a younger kid is getting a second glance is a VERY high score (or very rich/famous, sib or legacy). [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:47 PM Flag

Apparently 60% of the incoming K class at one ss tt girls' school got 98+ on erb. Have to figure the other two are comparable. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:34 PM Flag

So 40% were under 98. An older girl with an otherwise glowing report, playdate etc and a 93 ERB (9 verbal) absolutely has a great shot. GL OP! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:40 PM Flag

Many in that 40% will be legacies and sibs. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:44 PM Flag

But I'd guess that 99% of those tt admits performed exceptionally on the schols' own testing, which matters a lot more than the ERB these days. The schools really examine the kids thoroughly one on one in the "playdate". [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 11:16 PM Flag

^^^ and also, I'd guess that 90% of the applicants to ss tt had 98+ ERBs, but a lot of them were fakers (ie heavily prepped) that were uncovered in the interview. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 11:12 PM Flag

Nope. When my first dc started K, a friend who works in the school told me the erb average for that K class was a 92. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 07:35 PM Flag

Take another test. No hope for TT. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 10:24 PM Flag

Nonsense. DD at ss TT scored 83 as did a classmate of hers. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.17.13, 05:11 AM Flag

unless connected, think of it as a lottery [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.17.13, 05:21 AM Flag

[ - ] We just started touring schools. We have toured 4 (SS and co-ed). We loved Marymount but I see some negative comments here. I don't want to use UB as a decision making tool (assume we get in of course) but I would love some feedback from actual parents. Thanks 20 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 05.15.13, 03:47 PM Flag

Very few people who cough up 40+k a year for a school are going to say anything negative about it. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 03:47 PM Flag

This. Anyone on UB bashing a school is not an "actual parent" at the school. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 03:56 PM Flag

OP: I should clarify that I am not looking for negative feedback (I think there is enough negative feedback on this forum and I have been here enough to realize it is mostly inaccurate or agenda-driven). I am looking for feedback from actual parents, which I assume will be mostly positive. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 03:58 PM Flag

Right. Rose-colored glasses. So really pretty pointless. If you like it, apply and see what happens. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 04:02 PM Flag

Well, not sure it is pointless, at least not to me - I want to know what they like about the school. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:08 PM Flag

They will however say very nasty things about most other schools [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 03:59 PM Flag

OK. Point is that Marymount parents (or parents at any school) aren't going to say "it sucks" (even if that's what they think) because it reflects on their own judgment in writing a 40k check for school. This is particularly true of lower school parents, imo. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 04:04 PM Flag

Trinity rocks! Love the way they photograph sports. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 03:55 PM Flag

DD is at the lower school and we are very pleased with it. The academics have been great, and the girls are all very happy and blossoming. I assume you can probably say the same of most other privates in NY no matter what you read on UB. It is certainly quite homogeneous in that most parents are Catholic (though there is a significant component of protestants). So if lack of religious diversity is an issue for you, I would look elsewhere. Religious values are a definite focus. Not as much as they would be at a parochial school, but they are definitely there. I find that most parents are very comfortable with that. Hope this helps. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 04:07 PM Flag

Thanks, it does. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 04:10 PM Flag

Not a Marymount parent, but the ones I've spoken to love it. I loved certain aspects of the school (e.g. emphasis on STEM, gorgeous facilities, religious component), but there were certain things I didn't like (e.g. lack of diversity). DD was WL so I didn't need to consider them. GL! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 04:10 PM Flag

Thank you. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:02 PM Flag

A remarkably civilized post! I am astonished :) [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:01 PM Flag

I am familiar with one family at Marymount and while they are a wonderful family, I know that in private they are honest that it was not their first or second or third choice and that they are not thrilled. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 08:58 PM Flag

By the way, are you expecting to get an unbiased response from MM parents because that would be as naive as expecting to get your son in. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 09:03 PM Flag

LOL [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 09:06 PM Flag

Why did you love the school? MM parent here and I would say the academics and the social piece has been disappointing. I had hoped for more challening work (my dd is ready for it) and the mean girl attitude seems to flourish. The parents are okay, slice of life from Manhattan. I have dc in other private schools so I do have a benchmark. GL [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 01:07 AM Flag

NP: so why haven't you moved you DD to a different school? Sounds like you think she is ahead of her peers? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 09:46 PM Flag

Moving is not that easy unless it is for 9th grade! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.17.13, 12:43 PM Flag

lack of diversity a big problem, not academically challenging in LS [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 01:36 PM Flag

[ - ] Why are D1,D2,D3 drawn the way they are, anyway? Seems like such an odd, uneven way to divide up Manhattan. 26 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 05.15.13, 02:18 PM Flag

Three letters explain everything having to do with NYC public schools - D O E [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 02:14 PM Flag

d1 is tiny, which i don't understand. d2 is huge, which also makes no sense. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 02:20 PM Flag

I think 2 > 1 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 02:28 PM Flag

2 is the best district and includes the wealthiest neighborhoods in manhattan. if the doe split it and made some of it d1, i am sure people would be pretty pissed. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 02:25 PM Flag

np: plus, D1 is unzoned. It's all lottery based. They were only able to do that because there were basically no good schools in D1 when they implemented the lottery system. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 02:27 PM Flag

and now, d1 schools are highly segregated. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 02:41 PM Flag

It amazes me that for D1 being a lottery...the EVCC which is one f their better schools is mostly white. How is that in a district where being white is the minority [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:39 PM Flag

it's self-segregation. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 06:08 PM Flag

Yes the DOE puts the white kids in the better school. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 06:21 PM Flag

Well, you'd have to see first who applied to this and the other progressive schools. It may be possible that lower income minorities avoid the style of these schools. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 07:29 PM Flag

Not in D1...many minorities put EVCC first...I know of this first hand being a minority myself. I have many neighbors who wanted that school and didnt get it...mind you we live a block away but kids taking a school bus or city bus get the spots..and when I toured I couldn't believe how little diversity there was. It doesn't reflect the D1 area at all [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 01:04 AM Flag

Splitting it up into a D2-north and D2-south would make some sense though (not combining with D1). [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 06:10 PM Flag

D2 was originally drawn when it encompassed all the 'bad' neighborhoods and projects. Thus the odd shape and size. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 07:22 PM Flag

It's very clear to me that District 1 was created primarily to keep a heavily poor neighborhood with many housing projects out of the richer neighborhoods of District 2. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 04:56 PM Flag

Second this observation. It looks like the gerrymandered districts of the pre-Voting Rights Act South. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:19 PM Flag

Yup..I live in D1 and the schools in this area have always been horrible [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:40 PM Flag

To keep the populations separate and non-equal. the school districts are all gerrymandered. they should impose a grid system on voting and school districting. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:22 PM Flag

Amen! All districts should have boundaries like D3, which is a manageable size and natural neighborhood. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:18 PM Flag

Well they keep the majority of white and wealthy kids all in D2...then to hell with the poorest down in D1 and etc [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:38 PM Flag

but D2 goes to the westside projects too [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:45 PM Flag

Those are the token poor kids which will be like 1% of their enrollment. Let them spilt up manhattan Island evenly and see how the wealthy will bitch. D1 should be 34st down (east and west) D2 should be 35st up to 72st and D3 73rd st and up. They should do something like that...or make more smaller districts like D1 west and D1 East making 5th avenue the dividing factor in all of manhattan [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 06:05 PM Flag

I had a friend in the DOE who explained it to me several years ago; I've forgotten the explanation but it was some kind of a bureaucratic compromise - it had nothing to do with demographics. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:52 PM Flag

I call shenanigans. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 06:09 PM Flag

It will always be political [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 06:05 PM Flag

I believe that once upon a time, they were one district and then D1 and D3 were carved out bc they had more low performing kids and the intent at that time, was to help the schools in those areas improve. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 06:18 PM Flag

Lol sure that was the reason [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 01:05 AM Flag

[ - ] Is this you! I can't decide if this is despicable or genius? http://gawker.com/rich-families-cutting-lines-at-disney-world-by-hiring-d-505640665?fb_action_ids=10200458995910659&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B122702884599498%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.likes%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 05.15.13, 03:22 AM Flag

Hi, I already posted this news item. Scroll down! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 03:25 AM Flag

It's NYPost b.s., though very funny. You can indeed hire a private, non-Disney guide (we did it two weeks ago. $600 a day, versus $310 an hour for a Disney guide) to get you through the lines (they have a pass that they obviously pay Disney for). However, the crap about hiring someone disabled is totally made up. If you read to the end of the story, you see that that particular private guide has a disabled girlfriend who does the tours on her scooter. Hundreds of people are on a scooter at Disney; anyone can rent one and go in through the disabled line, which is sometime faster than the regular line, but not often. It's paying the guide that counts, not that you're paying a disabled person. Ridiculous. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 03:52 AM Flag

ita. Someone on UB is OBSESSED with this non-story. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 11:20 AM Flag

Nice try to make yourself not seem slimy. Disney doesn't sell an "access pass" to anyone, and it makes no sense that they would compete with their own tour guide service. Your guide had a GAC, aka Guest Assistance Pass, which is given to people with disabilities on their own word (ADA does not allow them to require proof of the disability). You spent the day bypassing lines as a fake disabled person. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 01:26 PM Flag

Of course it makes sense for Disney to segment the market, realizing that very few people are going to pay $310 an hour for a guide. Thus they let these guides, who are precluded from advertising (although they have websites and it says very openly what they are doing), give them some kind of kickback. Do you really think Disney would allow this to happen so much -- there are DOZENS of these guide services -- without taking a cut? Please. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 10:00 PM Flag

[ - ] Computer School or School at Columbia? 4 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 05.15.13, 02:56 AM Flag

School at Columbia, if you get a discount. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 03:15 AM Flag

Thanks for answering. Except for smaller classes, why SAC? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 03:19 AM Flag

School at Columbia for free or paying? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 04:24 AM Flag

School at Columbia if dc is motivated. Nice kids at Computer, but one complaint I hear from parents I know there is that it could be more academically challenging. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 01:11 PM Flag

[ - ] Looking at renting in Carroll Garden. Heard people talking the bilingual program in the zone PS. Can anyone tell me which school is it? Is it PS32? Thanks. 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 05.15.13, 02:29 AM Flag

Ps 58 French. But good luck getting in! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 02:44 AM Flag

you mean bon chance! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 06:30 AM Flag

[ - ] okay-- we are moving from private LS/MS to public HS. need to hear other parents' experiences! 15 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 05.15.13, 01:40 AM Flag

Can you generally tell us which school, or what kind of school, neighborhood, etc.? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 11:53 AM Flag

downtown progressive private to a selective small public HS [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 02:55 PM Flag

We moved DD to public when she was younger than that - she had to work a bit harder to catch up to her peers, but really preferred the social situation. GL to you! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 03:13 PM Flag

We moved DC from hill MS to SHS. Very happy and doing well. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 04:32 PM Flag

We moved in middle school from private to public. Great decision both academically and socially. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 04:33 PM Flag

+1. Not to mention financially. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 04:42 PM Flag

+1. Not to mention financially. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 04:42 PM Flag

we did too-- DC is in 12th grade now and got into several great colleges (including Wesleyan-- her FC) -- best decision we ever made. The kids are so much nicer, the parents are nowhere near as psycho (I am still traumatized by the halloween fair committee at our old downtown progressive...) DC has truly met all kinds of kids. She's not at a specialized HS btw, just a selective progressive [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:20 PM Flag

Great to hear. What are the selective progressive public schools? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:18 PM Flag

The designation is somewhat loose, but definitely Lab and Beacon. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:27 PM Flag

^^^NP sorry. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:28 PM Flag

also ICE, SOTF and Millenium (my Wesleyan-bound DC went to one of those!) [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:34 PM Flag

OR: Thanks, and congrats to your DC--Wesleyan is such a great school. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:38 PM Flag

I love hearing good things about those schools-- they seem so much more "normal" [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:48 PM Flag

"Normal" or not, there are a variety of high schools to fit all learners. GL at Wesleyan to your DC! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 06:35 PM Flag

[ - ] Brooklyn parents, if you had your choice, PS 133 or PS 118? 12 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 05.14.13, 10:39 PM Flag

where are they? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 10:46 PM Flag

park slope [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 10:48 PM Flag

I am trying to make that choice right now. Not dual language program at 133. 133 is much closer to our house, the new building looks great and it's nicely diverse school but I agree with the poster that 118 will attract great teachers. I honestly don't know what to do. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.18.13, 06:11 PM Flag

I was also in your shoes. Decided 118 in the end. I'm happy with our decision [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.18.13, 08:44 PM Flag

Hmmm maybe 118 because there might be more energy to make it a great school. But 133 will have brand new facilities and immersion right? Which is closer?, [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 11:20 PM Flag

Hmmm maybe 118 because there might be more energy to make it a great school. But 133 will have brand new facilities and immersion right? Which is closer?, [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 11:20 PM Flag

133 is closer but commute would be pretty easy. Kind of drawn to the small school and super-active parent body at 118. But tough decision! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 11:44 PM Flag

ds got a seat at 133 and is still on the wait list at 118 (not zoned) but I think I may prefer 133. beautiful new building, more diverse, lots of extras like science, art and music that 118 won't have to start. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:38 PM Flag

We are zoned to 118 and gave up our seat for the reasons you mentioned. I think it will be good eventually but will be very limited at first. But we held 118 over 133 before that point despite seeing lots of great things about 133 (strong leader, welcoming staff, impressive student work). 133 seems like a school on the rise but fewer than half the kids are at grade level in math and ELA. That doesn't mean they aren't getting great results for the students they serve, but it does make you wonder how much attention will be paid to kids who are on grade when the need is much greater elsewhere. My older daughter went through 321 and as a high-achieving student she was basically left to her own devices for six years. My younger daughter is bright and somewhat ahead of age-level (though not like her sister). She is not as self-directed and needs structure and a push. I worried that if she came in reading, she wouldn't get the attention and push, particularly after seeing what happened with our daughter in a school where she was ahead but most kids were at least on grade level. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 01:55 AM Flag

I do not think 133's current test scores are the least bit relevant for a family considering a dual language classroom there. The current scores reflect the student body prior to the introduction of the dual language program in 2011 and the switch, just this fall, from zoned to lottery. The scores also reflect a school that has only yet been partially remade by the principal, who started there in 2007. Basically, this is a school that is being integrated via the DLP, which functions like a G&T in terms of the families it attracts -- would you decide on a G&T prgorgrwm based on the scores of the school as a whole?? The DLP has small class sizes -- anglophone children cannot join after the first grade, and there has been almost 100 percent continuing so far, and the target language-Anglophone balance has to be maintained. The program is intended to be rigorous; parents are expected to be very involved and there's lots of homework. It's a uniform school that's adopted the 7 habits of highly successful people as its character/moral building curriculum. It seems to have good arts partnerships and music education (K gets music twice a week), and the new parent body is very active and also affluent. It seems possible that the general Ed classes will become more integrated as parents, especially from the public,school desert that is D13, don't get in to the DLP but decide to give the gen Ed a try. I expect 118 will have a more progressive pedagogy than 133, and it won't have the tensions of a school in transition. There should be a good amount of Spanish instruction -- stated goal three times a week? -- but as a brand new school the enrichments stuff won't be in place the first year certainly. I think the parent body is going to be ready and able to support the school, so those things should come on line quickly enough. The promise of 118 for me is great classroom teachers, which is where they spend most of their day, enrichments aside. The principal, who definitely has a great reputation and an interesting background, should have her pick of teachers. It's a desirable gig, I would think, a brand new school in Park Slope, so if the principal is discerning, the teachers should be great. Also, the principal is coming from years working in a very successful school. And the small size should mean a lot of focused attention and close friendships (although DLP students at 133 will also go all the way through primary school with the same 45-50 kids). [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.16.13, 01:56 PM Flag

I lost you at 7 Habits of Highly Successful People. Is this a joke? (I hope?) So not what I want my dc's academic experience to be like. At all. NP. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.19.13, 01:12 AM Flag

So if not 133 or 118, where did you decide? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.17.13, 02:45 PM Flag

[ - ] What is Dwight like? Does it teach the IB curriculum? 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 05.14.13, 09:17 PM Flag

I cannot read, I cannot write... [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 09:25 PM Flag

Op schools change over time and people remember them how they used to be. Dwight is one of these schools. It's come a long way. Two of the best guys I know went to Dwight. Both are intelligent, successful and kind. Perhaps they tried harder. Go tour and get an idea for yourself. No skin in the game my dcs are at school that extremely desirable by UB standards. Not to us. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 10:24 PM Flag

All I know about Dwight is that it is for-profit and that virtually all the kids from Westside pre-school are allowed in automatically because it's owned by that family, and thus it is the fall-back for kids there. I know this because my bff had kids at that pre-school a couple of years ago. No one wanted to send their kids there if they could avoid it, but some got shut out of the other schools. It is not known as rigorous. Not back in the day, not now. Like York, Dwight high school has a lot of kids from more rigorous elementary/ms who were counseled out. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 10:45 PM Flag

[ - ] PS 290 and PS 158 parents: how how many kids per class in K? How many in 1st, 2nd 3rd grade? Thank you 54 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 05.14.13, 07:31 PM Flag

Didn't you just ask this? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:26 PM Flag

Yes this is a repost on the school board. Are you the post police? Am I under arrest? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:32 PM Flag

You want people to help you? With this attitude? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:34 PM Flag

np: honestly I think OP is just being sarcastic. You on the other hand have issues. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:37 PM Flag

nnp: Hi, OP. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:38 PM Flag

not OP - I am the OR below who wrote about class size being overrated [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:37 PM Flag

Actually I am the person who used the word overated [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:39 PM Flag

This post is getting weirder and weirder [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:42 PM Flag

Guilty. Not tolerant of rude sarcastic people [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:38 PM Flag

OR here - what I rude or sarcastic? The only person rude or sarcastic on this thread is you, OP. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:39 PM Flag

*was what I said rude or sarcastic? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:40 PM Flag

Wait. If you aren't tolerant of sarcastic people, OP - why did you say you were just guilty of being sarcastic? Hate your own kind? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:42 PM Flag

I am OP - For your information, other than the first reponse I have not written anything else on this post. People are insane today. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:44 PM Flag

Sure, OP. Sure. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:46 PM Flag

Yes, yes I do. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:38 PM Flag

LOL OR, what are you doing, going back and forth between filters? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:33 PM Flag

I must not have filters set up. All I know is this same exact question is also on page 2 for me. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:38 PM Flag

Yes, as I said I reposted on the school board because usually people complain if they see school posts in the general board. I guess I can't win. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:36 PM Flag

Not with such a nasty attitude. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:38 PM Flag

This [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:40 PM Flag

Class size is overated [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:36 PM Flag

+1. The makeup/balance of the class is more important, and you can't tell that until you get there. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:34 PM Flag

Not OP, but I disagree. In my personal experience, it is impossible for a teacher (even with part time support) to focus appropriately on a class of 30 or more. Inevitably the worst and the best will take up all of her time and the average students will be largely ignored. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:34 PM Flag

Teacher [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:42 PM Flag

? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:40 PM Flag

ITA with this. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:40 PM Flag

Research is pretty clear: teacher matters, not size [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:53 PM Flag

Most research I've read states class sizes of less than 15 are best for elementary students. No teaching assistants. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 08:16 PM Flag

np. And how do these studies control for teacher quality? Do you have any personal experience with this at all? 15 students in a 5th grade class would be quite stifling, I would imagine. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 08:15 PM Flag

What is your personal experience? Mine contradicts this. I've seen classes of 20 out of control with a few rowdy kids and a teacher who couldn't handle it, and I've seen classes of 33-35 that are orderly and get a ton done. Teachers override class size. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:57 PM Flag

I went to public school (30+ kids) and was a very good student. I got a fair amount of attention from teachers throughout (extra work, small groups with the teacher for advanced curriculum etc). So did my sister. The average kids were pretty much ignored. Granted, a sample of two. But as I said, this is my personal experience. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:08 PM Flag

the best never get attention. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:59 PM Flag

I think K is around 20-25 at each, but it increases in 1st grade. Second hand info though. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:38 PM Flag

i think this is right, but by 4th grade, it's up at 30 or so [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:40 PM Flag

35 in our class [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:40 PM Flag

PS 290? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:39 PM Flag

Trinity 20-22 kids in K. St Ann's 20 kids in K. Horace Mann 20-25 kids in K. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:45 PM Flag

In independent schools, kids usually spend about half the day in groups of one half the class size or smaller, each with a teacher. My child had about ten teachers over a week. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:48 PM Flag

You are insufferable - only special needs children require this much attention in school [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:58 PM Flag

That was my thought - both of my children were looking to get out of their pre-school class of 10 kids. Can't imagine having that again in elementary school. Rather 20-25 and two teachers than 8-10 kids and one teacher. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 08:23 PM Flag

Why would she be insufferable? She is only offering additional information to complete the post above. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 03:01 PM Flag

np: this breakdown is only in the earliest grades, and really reflects the wide (and normal) development range for kids that age. At our dc's school, reading groups were 3-6 kids in k-3, because of the different levels of the kids. They all eventually get to the same place, and by grade 4 they are doing reading as an entire homeroom. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 10:10 PM Flag

Wow she didn't ask about these schools but since you went there- privates have to sell you something for your 30k [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:56 PM Flag

You mean $40K, plus extras, so more like $45,000. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 08:23 PM Flag

Horace Mann for K has 20 kids and 2 teachers or 14 kids and 2 teachers (the 2 smaller classes are in the Manhattan location, and the bigger ones are in Riverdale with one bigger class in Manhattan as well). [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 08:53 PM Flag

Horace Mann does not have K in NYC - only pre-school. K is in Riverdale campus. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 09:26 PM Flag

They also have a small K at the UES location - the pre-school building that is all run down. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 09:27 PM Flag

Horace mann has 5 K classes (three in UES and 2 in riverdale) class sizes vary. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 04:50 PM Flag

Wrong -- they have 3Ks in Manhattan (in the Nursery Years building) and 2 in Riverdale. Signed, HM Parent. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 06:44 PM Flag

have friends at both. ps 290 fills to max of 25 in K and always has K wait list. Friends dc at ps158 had 20 kids in K class [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 08:41 PM Flag

not significant enough to make a difference. i would choose 290. np. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 11:41 PM Flag

both good schools. 158 has better facilities and less over crowded. 290 is a very small zone and very hard to move to intentionally [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 12:02 AM Flag

NP: Class size grows in upper grades at 158. I think the 4th and 5th grade classes are 30+, so no different than 290. The principal at 158 is tough and test-obsessed, much prefer the atmosphere and approach at 290. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 01:53 PM Flag

np I heard the same from a friend at 158. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 05:02 PM Flag

[ - ] Why am I suddenly getting unsolicited emails from Erica Reid (LA Reid's wife) with links to her blog "Erica Reid Loves Kids"? 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 05.14.13, 06:46 PM Flag

email her back "I hate kids." [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:54 PM Flag

LOL I wonder UB sells our emails? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:48 PM Flag

Who is she? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:54 PM Flag

[ - ] Q for Saint Ann's parents: we're applying for K this fall. the website states that they have 60 3-4 preschools kids. i'm told by PSD that they add 1 class at K and another at 1st. According to the website, they add at middle/high point as well. their HS graduating class size = 75-80. now, how many do they add at K and 1st? PSD says 25 at K and 25 at 1st and i don't think the numbers add up. Also, do they give homework at K and lower grades? (I know about the no grade system.) TIA. 57 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 05.14.13, 05:56 PM Flag

my PSD told us the same story. and added that they only take 3-4 unconnected DC for K. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:00 PM Flag

This is true. We were waitlisted this year, and the school, along with PSD, begged us to try again next year. We're going to Packer, which was our first choice. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:03 PM Flag

^^^I didn't mean to say "begged", they asked. Begged is way over the top and sounds awful! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:04 PM Flag

understood. from what our PSD told us, if you get WL, apply again for 1st. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:11 PM Flag

but you have to apply for K and then 1st. no chance if you only apply for 1st. true? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:12 PM Flag

I don't know anyone who was rejected from SA. We and many friends applied. All WL, no reject. I think they WL WAY more than they could truly be interested in. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:46 PM Flag

i know 5 rejects from SA. all manhathan families. 3 downtown, 1 UWS, 1 UES. they all placed at TT. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:50 PM Flag

does anyone know any brooklyn families who gets the rejection letter from SA? i know 2 but not from last year. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:54 PM Flag

well, unless you see the WL letter, don't believe what everyone tells you. often people lie about getting WL when they get RJ. this happens at all TT privates. my BF lied to my face about getting WL from my DC's school, not SA. the RJ letter was sitting on their dining table. my SIL lied to our family about getting WL at SA. my brother told us that they were RJed. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:58 PM Flag

Obviously possible, but I doubt it because they shared that they were rejected at other places. Maybe it's just a fluke that we were all WL. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:54 PM Flag

when you say "everyone gets WL from SA" what do you expect the other family to reply? if they say that they got RJ from SA, then they run the risk of being labeled the only RJ from SA. it's hard to admit RJ when everyone else is yelling WLs. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 10:08 PM Flag

sad but true. i guess it's just to save face. although who remembers where other people's DCs get admitted/waitlisted/rejected. i don't even remember all the schools where my BFF's DCs applied to. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:04 PM Flag

we're looking into SA and Packer. could i ask you why Packer was your FC? thanks. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:40 PM Flag

unconnected DC got in for K (coming fall). don't know a single SA parent/teacher so don't if that's true - truly unconnected. PSD has never placed anyone at SA so has not been a reliable source of info. will be able to tell you if this is true once we start in the fall. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:10 PM Flag

Which preschool? How did you stand out during the application process? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:07 PM Flag

^^don't know^^ naming preschool would out us. we didn't. DC must have but we have no idea if there was anything SA specific. DC did well with other schools as well - accepts and WL only, no rejection. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:35 PM Flag

the initial 60 sounds like 2 age groups with 2 classes of 15 in each. So 30 kids, then they add one class which could mean 25 new kids assuming a few don't stay from pre-school, or it could mean adding 20. So 50 kids in K. Then 75 in First. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:06 PM Flag

SA parent here. Approx. 60 spots (3 classes of 20) in K. 30 spots come from the two preschool classes of 15 each. So you have around 30 spots for K. Add another class of 20 in 1st. 80 in each SA class (4 classes of 80) from 1st through 12th. Actual number differs a bit from year to year. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:16 PM Flag

thank you! could you debunk the "only 3-4 unconnected DC" myth? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:33 PM Flag

Honestly, there are a lot of sibs, legacies and teacher's kids--but there are definitely more than 3-4 spots for unconnected DCs. Do apply if you're interested in the school. We've loved it so far. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:39 PM Flag

we'll definitely apply. our PSD is not optimistic (b/c not a single DC made it from our preschool in last few years) and wants us to consider other brooklyn schools as well. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:48 PM Flag

Search your network for anyone from the school who could advocate for you. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:49 PM Flag

np: that makes you "connected"!!! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:46 PM Flag

would current parents help? don't know how active they are in PTA cicle. from what i understand, SA is not a school that wants active parental involvement. how about alums? a few college friends who're in the city and know DC. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:53 PM Flag

There is no PTA. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:57 PM Flag

seriously? do parents ever volunteer or otherwise help out the admin/teachers? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:59 PM Flag

Sometimes, but there is no obligation. You can speak to your child's teacher at any point. But one of the past aspects of the school is that it focuses on the needs of the students, not the paranoia of the parents. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:01 PM Flag

^Sorry, best aspects [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:05 PM Flag

sounds beautiful. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:10 PM Flag

Completely discouraged. They don't want "help." [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 01:49 PM Flag

a great selling point for DH. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:02 PM Flag

Us too. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:08 PM Flag

Honestly, probably not 3-4, but no more than 7-8 in K. No more than that in 1st. I think that in my dc's class there were no more than 6-7 unconnected new kids coming into K, and as far as I can tell, most of the kids coming into 1st were also sib and alum kids. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.15.13, 01:48 PM Flag

OP: thanks for clarifying that! why can't the website spell it out like this?! do they give HK to K/1? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:42 PM Flag

HK? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:57 PM Flag

OP: sorry. homework. meant to say HW. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:09 PM Flag

Very little, if any. Idea is to let kid be a kid, all the while encouraging a love of learning. HW gets heavier beginning in 4th. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:13 PM Flag

i'd think the 30 who come from preschool would be more sib/leg/connected and the more of new 30 would be new families. is this naive of me? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:44 PM Flag

Yes, the preschool kids are more sib/leg/connected. But there are a few unconnected kids too. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:46 PM Flag

IME the unconnected preschool kids are celeb kids. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:47 PM Flag

Nope. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 06:53 PM Flag

Are there a lot of celeb kids? My son is in 1st grade and I cannot think of any. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:09 PM Flag

Yes. A ton of Bklyn/downtown actors' kids. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.14.13, 07:07 PM Flag

^^^ I could personally name 5 dc whose parents are very famous actors. [ Reply | More