• Filter the conversation
[ - ] My son's dentist just charged me $600 to fill one cavity and put on sealants. Is that excessive or normal? 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.18.13, 02:39 AM Flag
»
Sounds abt right. Sealants are not cheap. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:41 AM Flag
»
sounds about right. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:43 AM Flag
»
Check out NYU dental school for less expensive dental work. We like their pediatric department. All work is overseen by a dentist/teacher. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:55 AM Flag
[ - ] I am a trust fund sahm mom - and loving it :) 16 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.18.13, 02:22 AM Flag
»
Mazel Tov. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:30 AM Flag
»
Mazel Tov. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:30 AM Flag
»
Im jelly [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:31 AM Flag
»
If I had a trust fund, I would have a far more interesting life [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:32 AM Flag
»
+1 [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:55 AM Flag
»
congrats [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:34 AM Flag
»
That sounds boring, if I had a trust I would be doing something more fun. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:34 AM Flag
»
why? maybe she likes being boring. i do. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 03:42 AM Flag
»
Cool, when can we go out for lunch (you pay, of course). :) [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:32 AM Flag
»
How much is in your fund? How is it invested? Does your DH work? Ways your apt/house like? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:44 AM Flag
»
*whats [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:44 AM Flag
»
Perfect life!stay with DCs and no money worries! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:45 AM Flag
»
I'd be living like a fucking crazy person if I had a trust fund. Definitely not a SAHM. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:39 AM Flag
»
I can't even stay home sick. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:50 AM Flag
»
Do you realize that people talk behind your back? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 03:23 AM Flag
»
why? shes lucky enough not to have to worry. are you trying to say you wouldn't love to be in that situation? those ppl who talk behind her back wish they were I bet. I wish I were you OP but sadly it will never be my reality, I wont lie, Im jealous, but I don't hate you for the life you have! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 05:44 AM Flag
[ - ] What bothers me - is that my early May birthday ds's biggest hurdle in getting into private K may be his birthday. And on the flipside, our zoned school is just OK, but I absolutely do not trust the DOE given all this rigmarole about the G&T test going on right now. We should just move to the burbs already. 20 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.18.13, 02:06 AM Flag
»
my dc is in 5th grade and the DOE has not harmed us. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:01 AM Flag
»
4th grade, same [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:39 AM Flag
»
Mine in 3rd and 5th and the DOE has bludgeoned them with test prep and a creativity-free curriculum based on common-core standards. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:54 AM Flag
»
Moving sounds nice. Process is horrid. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:03 AM Flag
»
process is horrid only if you let it be. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:04 AM Flag
»
It's horrid. Come on- the testing the interviews the waitlists. Thi is NOT how it should be. We should be able to worry about bigger issues like world hunger. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:07 AM Flag
»
you make your choice every morning when you wake up. I make mine. We are different people with different choices. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:08 AM Flag
»
OK. I guess you have a point. I still insist it is horrible. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:10 AM Flag
»
Np: I've moved, with children, 3 times, it's hard unless you're going somewhere you already know a lot of people. Even then though, actually moving is not fun at all. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:49 AM Flag
»
um hm...sure you'd be worrying about world hunger! Really?!? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 03:29 AM Flag
»
then move. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:08 AM Flag
»
Wait a year--I wish we had. I never realized how important a spring birthday could be--our early summer DD is definitely struggling in her private (not a TT) and she is almost the youngest in the class. Several of the children are a full year older than she is. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:12 AM Flag
»
DON'T COME TO THE BURBS I HATE IT [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:14 AM Flag
»
+1. Just returned to NYC after 6 years in burbs. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:25 AM Flag
»
Where are you? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:25 AM Flag
»
NJ I am miserable [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:28 AM Flag
»
Why? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:24 AM Flag
»
I don't like the people [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:31 AM Flag
»
Is it a very wealthy area? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:29 AM Flag
»
Yes, and for such wealthy people they are so dumb and tacky [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:31 AM Flag
[ - ] Which TT private school in NYC is the hardest to get into for K? I know that they're all very competitive, but which has the overall lowest acceptance rate for K? 22 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.18.13, 01:03 AM Flag
»
Trinity. For unconnected DCs, it's almost impossible - only a handful of seats a year. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:05 AM Flag
»
I've heard this as well. Weird though, because I feel like I meet way more families who want Dalton, Brearley, or Collegiate, but maybe it's because they now Trinity is a long shot anyways? What do you think? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:02 AM Flag
»
I think you are right. You either have a connection at Trinity (and there aren't many of those) or you have a first choice elsewhere. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:14 AM Flag
»
Allegedly nobody gets in Town. I knew a family that did, but they were super stepford. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:08 AM Flag
»
someone must get in, [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:15 AM Flag
»
I know, right? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:23 AM Flag
»
Is town tt? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:21 AM Flag
»
Nope. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:31 AM Flag
»
I have no idea. The place is like a fortress. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:32 AM Flag
»
Definitely TT. It is k-8. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:00 AM Flag
»
TTs are based on college exmissions. Since they don't have a high school, they have nothing to base it on. TTs are Brearley, Chapin, Spence, Dalton, HM, Trinity, and Collegiate. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:13 AM Flag
»
I've heard this, too. It seems to be a very closed society. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:29 AM Flag
»
I know 3-4 families at Town. And 1 family that turned down a spot this year. People get in. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:32 AM Flag
»
Trevor. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:29 AM Flag
»
Tee hee [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:51 AM Flag
»
:). (Though I rather like the school, and think it gets a terrible rap in here)! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:03 AM Flag
»
I hear it is "sweet" and "nurturing," but I know 3 kids there (different families) and all three have really serious issues. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 04:01 AM Flag
»
I've heard that Saint Hildas Saint Hugh's sometimes has no openings for kindergarten because of nursery kids moving up. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:41 AM Flag
»
Probably Trinity. Horace Mann only has 30-35 K spots. While many sibs and legacacues are already in nursery, there are still many legacies that apply for K because that didn't make the bday cutoff for HM nursery school. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:47 AM Flag
»
Brearley [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:06 AM Flag
»
Probably Trinity overall, but many schools have years where there are virtually no spots. In our ongoing--a school many people knock on here--my dd's K year had a total of 5 open spots. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:07 AM Flag
»
It varies from year to year. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:10 AM Flag
[ - ] Which boarding school in your opinion has the preppiest, most country club, possibly seen as a striver boarding school? 18 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.17.13, 11:57 PM Flag
»
This isn't clear [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 11:59 PM Flag
»
Preppy and striver are sort of the opposite thing, no? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 11:59 PM Flag
»
+1 [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 12:09 AM Flag
»
^also, "country club" can be a very tacky thing. It is in my mind, anyway. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 12:12 AM Flag
»
Hotchiss, Choate [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 12:12 AM Flag
»
In the Preppy Handbook (remember that?) Lawrenceville was named the "preppy center of the universe" because of its proximity to Princeton I think. I'm from that area, and it is a very preppy school in the most authentic way -- everyone in boat shoes, polo shirts, khakis, playing tennis, squash, shooting skeet, etc. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 12:16 AM Flag
»
^^ though I would not call Lawrenceville "striverish" in any way. Just real, old-fashioned preppy. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 12:17 AM Flag
»
DH went there--it was preppy but not at all striver-ish, you're right. Those families arrived years ago, they're not striving for anything. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:03 AM Flag
»
skeet? nah. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 03:11 AM Flag
»
what a ridiculous question. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:02 AM Flag
»
Deerfield has clumps of kids from Fairfield County. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:37 AM Flag
»
St. George's. It's crazy preppy. The other preppy ones, like Groton and St. Pauls aren't striver-y, they're arriver-y. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:59 AM Flag
»
IMO Groton and St.Pauls are more like "we arrived 300 years ago, how about you?" [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:12 AM Flag
»
that's exactly what I meant [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 04:02 AM Flag
»
I don't know about the other parts but there is a boarding/prep school in Massachusetts (Winchendon) on a golf course. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:02 AM Flag
»
A number of boarding schools have golf courses (9 and 18 holes). Hotchkiss has a 9 hole course. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:23 AM Flag
»
Deerfield [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:16 AM Flag
»
St. Paul's is still the be all end all of WASPiness. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 03:07 AM Flag
[ - ] Anyone hear from SAB yet? The open auditions were a month ago. I expect to receive a rejection email but one never knows.... 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.17.13, 10:04 PM Flag
»
No longer involved but I recall it being pretty prompt. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 10:14 PM Flag
[ - ] I just got a letter from the doe that my DC was matched to booker t. Washington. But I am not sure if it is the core program of Delta Honors. Did anyone get a letter that was more specific? 13 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.17.13, 10:03 PM Flag
»
I recall back at their meeting that a separate letter would come directly from the school informing parent which program they would be in. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 10:07 PM Flag
»
That's what they said but I am concerned that they may have changed that since the letter came straight from the DOE vs the self addressed envelope that I left with them when my DC took the test. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 10:13 PM Flag
»
booker t? Cast down your bucket where you are [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 10:08 PM Flag
»
Huh? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 10:18 PM Flag
»
Do you know who he was? NP and I read his autobiography in 7th grade. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 11:02 PM Flag
»
No: started life as a spade became a well known educator and human rights activist. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 11:04 PM Flag
»
np: I really hope this is an iphone spelling error where they change the word you type! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 11:10 PM Flag
»
Parents at school received the letters for Delta last night [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 10:13 PM Flag
»
Did it say Delta on the letter? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 10:20 PM Flag
»
Yes [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 10:27 PM Flag
»
I don't believe this is true. I think all the letters say Booker T. Just spoke to a friend at PS87 [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 10:59 PM Flag
»
Schools named after Booker T. Washington are rarely quality schools. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 11:37 PM Flag
»
you are wrong in this case http://insideschools.org/middle/browse/school/122 [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:08 AM Flag
[ - ] Can anyone tell me the best art-related summer camp program in Manhattan for an 11 year old girl? Prefer a part-day program but can do a full-day program too. Yes, very late to the party here and doubt there are a lot of spots left. 4 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.17.13, 10:01 PM Flag
»
You can look at Creative Arts which is held at Sacred Heart. (Make sure you have the right camp with that name.) http://creativeartsnyc.org/ Usdan is an arts day camp on Long Island with buses from Manhattan. http://www.usdan.com/ You might also look at MoMA and Met offerings. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 10:23 PM Flag
»
^^^ It looks like Creative Arts is being held at Regis this summer. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 10:30 PM Flag
»
I think the Guggenheim and National Academy of Design have programs for that age; also Wingspan runs a summer program. 92nd St. Y has summer arts programs. Try the Mommy Poppins and Time Out NY Kids sites for more ideas. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 10:31 PM Flag
»
Usdan but it's a bus camp. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:08 AM Flag
[ - ] Do you think there is much more reason to sue the city about G&T testing than if you live in a district with crappy schools? I live in District 5 and most of the schools are very bad. We got DC into an out of district school we like, but I actually think the paucity of good schools in a district is a much worse transgression than any problem of lack of G&T slots or sibling preference. 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.17.13, 09:40 PM Flag
»
Why don't you work to change the system instead of pursuing a frivolous lawsuit that will only cost taxpayers and will do nothing to help kids? Lobby for more school funding. Donate your time to your local school. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 09:52 PM Flag
»
ITA. G&T is popular because there are so few good gen eds, and some districts have no decent schools. This may not be true in Manhattan, but is in some outer boroughs districts. DOE is now refusing to provide bus service between districts. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 09:54 PM Flag
»
District 6 parent here, and ITA. But UB skews heavily to private/UES/UWS demographic, so most people have absolutely no clue. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:10 AM Flag
[ - ] http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/the_politics_of_envy_yVM6kURfYk2249tbEevRmO Amen. Although I am a Democrat, NYC dems have jumped the shark on their slavish support of the teachers' union. The arguments make them sound like East Germany defending the Berlin Wall. I realize politics is all about $$ and I realize the teachers' union is the #1 special interest group funding dems but there is something so unsavory about adults using children to advance their own personal interest. Special place in hell kind of stuff. Shame on them. 13 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.17.13, 09:05 PM Flag
»
You realize the Post is a shameless Right Wing rag, yes? Owned by the same company that owns Fox News? You understand that they might have an anti-union agenda to push in the op-ed section, and that they might be omitting facts or distorting them to suit their agenda? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 09:32 PM Flag
»
Which is more sought after, Citiwide or Charter? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 09:47 PM Flag
»
Nope, the correct question is: which is more sought after, a good gen ed or charter. A good gen ed nearly every time. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 09:55 PM Flag
»
OK. My point was that people who don't have a good gen ed choice will do almost anything. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 10:14 PM Flag
»
I agree. So if you are saying going to SA is the last resort of parents desperate to escape a failing public school, then it is doing some good. But if those spots are going to parents who are zoned for good gen eds, but the DOE would rather let a charter take the overflow instead of opening a new school, well then that is a problem. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 10:33 PM Flag
»
LOLOL!!!! That is an op ed by EVA MOSKOWITZ. Are you one of her paid minions who posts here defending her all the time? I know, she's a Democrat, too. She just doesn't believe in public education. She (and now her dh) are getting very wealthy as paid "CEOs" of a network of "non-profit" charter schools that the Bloomberg administration has given special deals, too. Including the ability to locate in some of the most affluent neighborhoods so they can use government money to educate the children of affluent and involved parents while kicking out any child who has issues or will bring down test scores. She charges the same amount per child as public schools, but she gets the easy-to-educate kids, and leaves all the hard to educate kids for those "unionized" teachers she seems to hate. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 09:47 PM Flag
»
Do you know what is even more unsavory? "Non-profit" CEOs getting rich from our taxes. Here is my challenge: The DOE now assigns kids randomly to Success Academy -- including 1/2 the students from the failing schools where they are located. Success Academy is responsible for those students from K-5 and can't get rid of them. Let's see how well they do. Maybe that will stop Eva blaming dedicated teachers with no resources who teach the most difficult kids and don't get to "counsel them out" like Eva does from her schools. Until that day, she really should stop writing these kind of op eds because she only looks like a hypocrite. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 09:53 PM Flag
»
With logic like that you won't win many arguments with people who read the Post or post on UB. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 10:15 PM Flag
»
What is wrong with my logic? I feel quite certain that if students were randomly assigned to SA and they had to educate all the kids and not force out the difficult ones, they would perform at the same level (or more likely worse) than any other public school. But I'm willing to have SA prove me wrong. But the way to do it would be if they seemed to want those kids. Instead, they find ways to get rid of anyone difficult, and throw them back into the schools with unionized teachers. Then they have the gall to criticize unionized teachers for not educating those kids. Shame on them. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 10:31 PM Flag
»
ITA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's crazy that they're getting away with this! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:49 AM Flag
»
Interestingly the numbers tell the real story. The union is losing the PR war here. I read this week that the charter school wait list is 5 figures long at this point. You can't fool all the people all of the time. Parents understand all the public schools are underperforming in the city, even the ones with rich white kids whose parents are "involved". Eva's schools are outperforming. The only group who is anti charter is the group that has most to lose...the teachers' union. Cat is out of the bag. I for one, will be scrutinizing the mayoral candidates on this issue. Happy to vote for the one who is most supportive of giving parents lots of school choices even if it means that some mediocre people don't get life employment with unlimited pensions. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:50 AM Flag
»
SPAM--I live in a neighb near a Success Charter and they are sending me crap several times/wk. I don't know a single person in my neighb who is even a little tempted to go look at that school. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 03:37 AM Flag
»
Hi Eva! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 03:37 AM Flag
[ - ] Moms who've been through the process: Lab or Salk? (And yes, I know my chances are slim, but a girl can dream.) 86 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.17.13, 04:22 PM Flag
»
Lab lots of work Salk not lots of work - which suits your child more? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:23 PM Flag
»
He can handle lots of work. It's the collaborative aspect I'm leery of. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:38 PM Flag
»
NP You should tour Baruch SP [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:46 PM Flag
»
Interesting. A mom was trashing it here last night saying no way was it as good as Salk. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:49 PM Flag
»
Well, it's across the street from Salk, and much much bigger. Perhaps not as hard to get into as Salk, but still a solid choice. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:02 PM Flag
»
^^NP, btw. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:02 PM Flag
»
OR: I suggested bc very strong academics, esp. math, and more traditional curriculum. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:00 PM Flag
»
What makes you leery? There is not that much collaboration. It is not some progressive school like 289 or anything. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:00 PM Flag
»
There is surprisingly less homework at Lab than I thought there would be. They tell you 1.5 hours, but it always seems to take 15-45 min. I don't know how much there is at Salk, but this was still better than 4th or 5th grade elementary. Friends at Baruch SP have said they get at least 1.5 hours per night. A lot depends on your child and how efficient they are, though. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:56 PM Flag
»
There seemed to be a ton of homework at Salk in 7th grade, but much less in 8th. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 07:31 PM Flag
»
DS or DD? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:24 PM Flag
»
DS [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:38 PM Flag
»
I hope I don't offend you - but all of the boys I know who got in LAB are IEP types. Doesn't seem to be true of the girls. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:54 PM Flag
»
What's IEP? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:57 PM Flag
»
Individual Education Plan (means they have some sort of issue). LAB is extremely vocal about supporting the ICT (aka CTT) model. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:01 PM Flag
»
my son is at lab and he doesn't have an IEP and never did. don't know what "IEP type" means. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:58 PM Flag
»
DD went to Salk and she's in HS now; any questions? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:30 PM Flag
»
Washington Irving? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:26 PM Flag
»
No, a specialized HS. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:59 PM Flag
»
why the snark? Salk is great middle school, by all accounts? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:24 PM Flag
»
(Not even a very good snark - Washington Irving HS doesn't exist any more). [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:22 PM Flag
»
Are you asking as a 4thgrade or 5th grade parent. You have to rank Salk #1 to appy and you have to rank Lab as #2, so you have to know which you prefer. Of all the schools we tourned, I liked Salk best, but not DS not matter how hard I tried. Also, Salk would have been a nightmare commute for us. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:25 PM Flag
»
our whole family preferred lab and that is where my child ended up. for 6th grade, at least, the HW hasn't been very heavy. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:00 PM Flag
»
how's the collaborative thing going? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:12 PM Flag
»
fine when it happens, for the most part. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:18 PM Flag
»
We just got placed at LAB. Can you tell me more. Having a bit of buyer's remorse. Really hated the facility. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:16 PM Flag
»
what specifically do you want to know? we have liked the teachers and the curriculum. I wish there were lockers but aside from that the facility seems OK. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:25 PM Flag
»
How are the extracurriculars? Did they do a good job of helping the kids acclimate from elementary and build friendships? What has gone right and wrong with the collaberation? Is Meg Adams coming back next year? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:22 PM Flag
»
Meg says she will be back before the end of this year to see the 8th graders off. extracurriculars-- there are lot of them and kids set up new ones if they want to; my son does some and he's liked them. also made friends and adjusted pretty quickly. collaborations: i really don't even think about it that much. they do some projects in groups, it seems to work pretty well, but its rare that your child's grade is really affected by any other child. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:31 PM Flag
»
np, did she have a baby? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:33 PM Flag
»
yes [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:39 PM Flag
»
Do you think the school lacks anything? Has communication from teachers been good? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:29 PM Flag
»
lockers! i wish that in 6th grade they had transitions/advisory more often. communication, to the extent we have needed it (parents and kid) has been fine,but there haven't been a lot of issues where i've felt it was necessary. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:36 PM Flag
»
NP: hate advisory. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:40 PM Flag
»
why? I was hoping that would be a good thing. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:53 PM Flag
»
Mom of DS here and forcing them to sit around and talk about feelings/problems is such a waste of time in school. Too much blah blah blah. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:56 PM Flag
»
NP and ITA. The kids (at Salk) considered it something of a joke. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:59 PM Flag
»
it is a joke. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:21 PM Flag
»
OR: i like it not for the touchy-feely but for helping them adjust to MS in terms of concrete skills like organization. that said i think Lab does a good job of that as is. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:58 PM Flag
»
NP: curious how many people on UB right now ever had advisory? I certainly didn't - we all managed to "be organized" [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:14 PM Flag
»
i wish i had. MS sucked fro me and it would have helped. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:25 PM Flag
»
why couldn't your parents help? MS sucked because you kept losing things? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:21 PM Flag
»
np. much more emphasis on this now. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 07:01 PM Flag
»
??? right and that is not a good thing. stop babying these students. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 07:35 PM Flag
»
kids can ajdust to the demands of school without dedicating a 1/2 hour to sitting around all kumbaya. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:22 PM Flag
»
^^ you can sign up for email that will show you your kid's grades, attendance, etc, every day(or every week if you prefer). so we know how things are going for most classes that way. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:41 PM Flag
»
I didn't care for SALK. Cramped - and the principal gave off bad vibe to me. I loved LAB's curriculum (different from all the D2 Middle schools we toured). Salk says not a lot of homework and I'm not a fan of collaboration. One child ends up doing most of the work. The teachers at LAB seemed to be the most engaged (in my limited touring experience) - if I had to chose between the two - I would pick LAB (but neither are my first choice) [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:59 PM Flag
»
Funny, LAB seemed more cramped to me than Salk. the Salk facility seemed nicer, it at least it has old charm. LAB just looks like a prison and houses 2 highschools, while Salk just shares with an elementary, which seems much nicer. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:20 PM Flag
»
that's because you saw LAB with students and SALK without. The classrooms at SALK are really small. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:31 PM Flag
»
I know, but LAB hallways just seemed darker and tons of ugly cinderblock. I know, crazy thing to focus on, but the whole building felt jail-like. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:30 PM Flag
»
np. And, how do you think that would affect your child? Do you think they would care, or is it just that you care about looks? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:04 PM Flag
»
I think they are both ugly facilities. Gym, lunchroom, yard and classroom sizes are better at Lab, but it is depressing cinderblock. Salk is homier and they have lockers. I think the kids don't really care as much as the adults do. For me, commute would be more important than facility. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 07:16 PM Flag
»
Salk is so cramped on one of its floors. Kids overflowing and the rooms seemed dusty. Maybe you saw the newer renovated one with the decent sized classrooms. I don't think it matters much, though. It should be more about the curriculum and location in my mind. The kids will cope. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:04 PM Flag
»
There's also a fair amount of collaborative work at Salk, though collaboration is more Lab's "mission" than Salk's [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:24 PM Flag
»
Salk has a really heavy emphasis on writing [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:07 PM Flag
»
The collaboration at Lab doesn't really affect grades, though. I don't think it is a concern. All schools have some group work. Most of the graded assignments at Lab are individual. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:05 PM Flag
»
I was unimpressed with the way LAB handled the testing day. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:06 PM Flag
»
That was truly horrible - standing outside for 40min in 11 degree weather [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:18 PM Flag
»
Agreed. The building is huge. They could have the kids inside. Then they took the test on lap desks in the auditorium, where the proctors yelled every time a kid's desk fell. FWIW Our DC got first choice-- different school. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:29 PM Flag
»
My child complained about the proctor in the auditorium yelling too. What is with the yelling? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:32 PM Flag
»
I know, and then they had lots of time between the different parts of the assessment, weren't allowed to do anything (took away paper and pencils) and yelled at the kids again to be quiet. Really soured me, and we loved the school when we toured. Salk had an insanely chaotic open house but this year the assessment was really well organized and calm. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:57 PM Flag
»
AND some students had to take the test in the auditorium with a board across their lap. Really? In a school? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:32 PM Flag
»
NP Not unknown, unfortunately. DD took the Bard HS exam with a board across her lap. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:33 PM Flag
»
My child is at Lab, and I completely agree. It was awful, but he got through it, and now we love the school. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:06 PM Flag
»
You have to visit and draw your own impressions. I thought I would love East Side Middle since it's in our neighborhood and really disliked it. Both my DD and I loved Salk so despite longer commute, that's what we put as #1. Had a fantastic tour guide, loved the principal. I really liked the principal at Lab but thought the tours weren't helpful as classes were in session so it felt crowded. Ultimately, I thought District 2 had nice choices. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:25 PM Flag
»
NP: There seems to be some East Side Middle backlash this year. While a lot of kids from our gen'l ed are going, a lot applied to Salk, too, and I heard it was the same at LL and 290. I think that arrogant principal is a big part of the problem. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:59 PM Flag
»
and the refusal to let you tour any part of the school except the cafeteria. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:00 PM Flag
»
That was pathetic. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:04 PM Flag
»
Hated! ESMS - get over your snobby selves. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:16 PM Flag
»
Seriously? What are you supposed to see there? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 07:37 PM Flag
»
My son is at Lab, and we are very happy. He loves it and I love the mix of traditional curriculum (math and grammar) and the collaboration which helps shy kids come out of their shell. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:59 PM Flag
»
We liked Salk too, but the commute was worse and I am a stickler for traditional math, so I didn't like Salk's math program. That said, they are both great schools. If my son went to Salk, I'm sure he would have a good experience as well. The only thing I don't like about Lab is having to carry heavy backpacks up 3 flights of stairs and not having a locker to use as your home base. They do have homeroom coat closets, though. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:09 PM Flag
»
math is the weak link at salk i hear. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:36 PM Flag
»
From what I've heard, the best math programs are at Lab, Baruch SP and MAT. The other schools use this Connected Math which is just a continuation of TERC/Everyday Math. I wonder if they will change programs now with the Common Core. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:43 PM Flag
»
i've heard the same. but you're right: common core could change things. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:50 PM Flag
»
Wagner has good math. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 07:00 PM Flag
»
Do they use Connected Math or something else? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 07:09 PM Flag
»
I'm not the "what math curriculum do you use type" - but the honors math is really good. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 07:18 PM Flag
»
Most of the schools told us on the tours, so I wrote them down. The Connected thing kept popping up at all the schools that didn't have such strong math scores. It seemed like a pattern. I bet Wagner does something more traditional. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 07:19 PM Flag
»
It does: DD had to do some catch-up when she hit HS after Salk; her classmates who had gone to Wagner SP (and their parents) said that their math foundation coming from Wagner was better. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 07:34 PM Flag
»
i don't know where you live, but think about commute. we're on the westside and getting to salk at 8 AM would be brutal. if you're on theUES, the same would probably be true fro Lab. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:11 PM Flag
»
The UES DC we know who go to Lab take a private bus that picks them up around 7:15, but at least it's door to door. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:15 PM Flag
»
Salk is particularly bad b/c it is not close to any subway. At least LAB is close to the A/C and 1. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:20 PM Flag
»
True, the nearest subway is the #6 and 23rd Street, but the express buses on 1st and 2nd help a lot. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 07:09 PM Flag
»
the L! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 07:13 PM Flag
»
np. It all depends on where you are coming from. With 8AM start times, it is definitely a consideration, at least for me who gets up with my kids to make them breakfast. I really don't want to have to start the day at 6AM if I don't have to. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 07:20 PM Flag
[ - ] Ballet moms: do your kids have time for other sports outside of ballet, once they are pursuing it more seriously? What about other extra curricular activities and social life? My DS is at SAB and next year he will have 3 90-minute ballet technique classes after school, plus Saturday morning gymnastics. He is excited but I am a little overwhelmed by how this will impact his social life and his ability to do other extra curricular activities. Not to mention our family life (he has siblings and we have no nanny, etc) 8 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.17.13, 03:53 PM Flag
»
I think ballet can be pretty intense. Does DS plan to do this seriously? There's kind of a point at which you either commit to it seriously or you drop out. I think that comes during the tween years. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:10 PM Flag
»
Same is true of any sport where DC is taking it seriously. If you want to be the best, you need to train. Otherwise, you're just doing 'activities'. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:23 PM Flag
»
Ditto. My ds is in second grade, and many of his friends also have this level of commitment to sports. IMO the question is whether this kid likes ballet that much more than everything else and whether you think he is going to really stick with it as a serious commitment over the next few years? If not, maybe move him to a less demanding ballet school so he can do other stuff so that he doesn't close other doors right now. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:10 PM Flag
»
OP here: DS is going into 3rd grade. I think he is going to stay at SAB for now but yeah, we will likely move him in a few years if he wants to keep doing dance. He's also quite athletic and enjoys sports, but has been very casual with them so far. He is also a strong student and we certainly won't let dance (or sports) interfere with school. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 08:32 PM Flag
»
Makes sense. My feeling is that SAB is great if they are obsessed with dance to the exclusion of all other extracurriculars, but if not, they could do it once a week somewhere else as a hobby and be on, say, the soccer team as well--or chess or debate or whatever. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 10:52 PM Flag
»
Don't know how old your DS is, but by 6th grade, ballet usually ramps up to 4-5 times a week, plus weekends. It's not a casual thing and purposefully crowds out most of the rest, especially if his school is challenging and requires lots of homework. And the boys are in particular demand. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:22 PM Flag
»
Ballet dancer mom here, and yes, if child doesn't dance several times a week the she won't develop the alignment, turnout and muscle strength necessary for serious ballet and also to go on pointe. If its too grueling, but child wants to dance, you could consider transitioning into jazz or modern were body alignment isn't as much of an issue and child doesn't have to train as intensely. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:48 PM Flag
»
Luckily my DS doesn't have to go on pointe! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 08:28 PM Flag
[ - ] What are the odds that *one* family with a now-5th grader at a top tier school (think Horace Mann or Fieldston) will choose not to come back next year? I just need ONE little family to move... 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.17.13, 03:46 PM Flag
»
Odds are good! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:57 PM Flag
»
i agree. people move for various reasons all the time. what is the class size? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:20 PM Flag
»
send one of the dads a job offer he cannot refuse [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:15 PM Flag
»
Fieldston is not TT. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:24 PM Flag
»
God, I love UB! This is so classic [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:23 PM Flag
»
+1 [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 07:05 PM Flag
[ - ] Can anyone explain the process of applying from one G & T school to another for middle school? For example, if someone is currently in 4th grade at TAG, can they apply to Anderson or NEST for 6th grade? How many spots are typically open for 6th grade? TIA 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.17.13, 03:24 PM Flag
»
No different than applying from any other school into a middle school. Anderson and NEST have VERY FEW middle school seats. Like single digits. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:26 PM Flag
»
true for anderson, but NEST i believe has more. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:22 PM Flag
»
NEST opens something like 50-70 seats for middle school [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:36 PM Flag
»
Not true any more. The class is now fairly set and DOE fills spots up to 3rd grade, so it is radically shrinking every year. Probably will be about 20-25 this year, then another 15 or so in 7th due to attrition because of hunter admits. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:25 PM Flag
»
Anderson typically has 7-8 spots, this yr they said 14 for middle. NEST has quite a few new middle spots, can't remember the exact number, but I think more like 50 [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:27 PM Flag
»
These are for 6ht grade. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:27 PM Flag
[ - ] Anyone hear from Anderson Middle yet? 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.17.13, 03:08 PM Flag
»
if you look at their website it says they will email on the 20th, doesn't it? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:11 PM Flag
»
changed to "make every effort to send 5/17" [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:13 PM Flag
»
Nothing yet. GL! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:11 PM Flag
[ - ] http://stream.wsj.com/story/latest-headlines/SS-2-63399/SS-2-234308/ The Drama continues!!! It's Friday, I wouldn't be surprised if more BS came from the DOE this afternoon.... 88 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.17.13, 03:08 PM Flag
»
Although I think the father who says his daughter will be bored and lose interest if she doesn't get a citywide seat is nuts, I do agree that the sibling policy is unfair. If its a G&T based on scores, it should be based on scores, plain and simple. FWIW, I have no dog in this hunt. Both my kids are in school already, neither in G&T. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:18 PM Flag
»
Whether or not you agree with the sibling policy, to file a lawsuit today halting G&T placements is just HORRIBLE. The stupid process has been drawn out long enough. This idiot father is just going to keep crying and complaining and suing unless his precious brilliant daughter gets the school seat he wants. Selfish to the core. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:31 PM Flag
»
+1. The guy is deranged. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:30 PM Flag
»
NP: Disagree. This is how change happens. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:42 PM Flag
»
This isn't about change. This is solely about one man's crusade to force a spot for his daughter by kicking out other kids he feels are less deserving. Lets say he does get sibling policy eliminated, AND they agree with his statistics and use those instead to calculate which children get 99s. His child may still Not get a seat. And then what will he do then- quietly slink away. I don't think so-- I think he'll continue fighting and filing lawsuits. Its not about change, its about self-interest. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:46 PM Flag
»
sorry, but that guy's daughter didn't miss a single question on either test. i don't blame him for seeking to prevent a sibling with a chasm of performance between him/herself and his daughter to get a citywide spot while his kid doesn't. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 09:04 PM Flag
»
So many of us have been there--with our dcs and their perfect scores getting district g&t. That's the way it goes... [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 09:46 PM Flag
»
Don't be ridiculous. There is no meaningful difference between a 97 and 99. Stop kidding yourself. These tests are not that precise, especially after the contortions the DOE did with these tests. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:50 AM Flag
»
Even though I'm really proud of my ds's score, I agree with you. The test isn't sensitive enough to differentiate in this way and the NYU mathematician should know that. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 03:38 AM Flag
»
I am sure he knows this isn't going to happen in time for his daughter. He sounds like an ideologue acting on principle and willing to be the test case. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:06 PM Flag
»
I agree with you here, but also would like to add that his daughter was never guaranteed a G&T spot anyway, since there are so many kids who qualify for so few seats. We are in D10 in Riverdale which is nothing like D2 or D3, and kids who make it to G&T at PS24 are either siblings or 99s. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:26 PM Flag
»
Yup. And the problem here is that this father is Convinced that his daughter must get a G&T seat, or the whole system is wrong. I can't even begin to understand such a misguided notion. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:42 PM Flag
»
ditto [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:43 PM Flag
»
the current system reduces her chances by quite a bit. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:07 PM Flag
»
Too bad. She knew going in what the rules were. Just because more people qualified doesn't mean she's entitled to legal compensation. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:14 PM Flag
»
+1. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:15 PM Flag
»
Too bad. She knew going in what the rules were. Just because more people qualified doesn't mean she's entitled to legal compensation. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:14 PM Flag
»
Assuming they can't afford private, what option did they have? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:17 PM Flag
»
zoned school! this is what you are ENTITLED to in nyc. NOT a g&t! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:37 PM Flag
»
THIS. The sense of entitlement is insane! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:43 PM Flag
»
REally Awful families! We are applying for G&T for DC this year. He received a 99%, but I accept that the chances of getting a citywide are low. Why can't this fool of a father (that Kupstov-mathematician guy) accept it? What a self-serving A-hole. Why does he think that His child's 99 deserves a seat at a citywide, but no other 99's do??? Idiot. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:30 PM Flag
»
why do you assume he doesn't think other 99%'s do? I bet he would say he is doing this on behalf of all the 99%'s who are being turned down for less-qualified applicants. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:04 PM Flag
»
no, he doesn't want the competition for his snowflake. he has made that clear. HIS dd got a PERFECT SCORE! why should more dcs than ever who didn't get HIS dd's SEAT??? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:15 PM Flag
»
They really need to get rid of sibling preference at citywides, abolish district G&T and bring back tracking at large local elementary schools starting in 3rd or 4th grade. This BS with 4 year olds just causes craziness. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:28 PM Flag
»
+100000! Let's file a lawsuit. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:35 PM Flag
»
And doing this would greatly improve the racial and economic disparities in the system. Right now it is practically a lottery for entitled UMC white and Asian children. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:30 PM Flag
»
Nope. G&T elementary programs are about 70% white and Asian, 30% black and Hispanic. This is more diverse than the highest-performing gen eds in the city, and infinitely more diverse than high-performing suburban schools. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:39 PM Flag
»
Considering the makeup of the NYC public schools as a whole, 70% white and Asian is pretty bad. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:45 PM Flag
»
true but compare the stats for the top performing publics--top ones in my district are 95+% white [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:52 AM Flag
»
Wow, you can tell from the quotes that this is the same guy who has been spamming the hell out of UB with the petitions. The suit will get thrown out, of course, unless the court proposes to undo sibling preference at every type of school--zoned, exam, charter, etc. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:29 PM Flag
»
np. While I think this is crazy, it does not imply that all sibling preference would need to be undone. There are plenty of NYC public schools with no sibling preference out there. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:33 PM Flag
»
I think the only place it is mandatory is for zoned elementary schools. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:34 PM Flag
»
Yes, I don't think middle or high schools have sibling preference. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:59 PM Flag
»
np: and there is no G&T sib priority after 4th grade. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:52 AM Flag
»
That's not true at all. Any school where there are more applicants than available seats has a sibling preference, be it a regular zoned school, a district choice school (MSC), a charter school lottery, and so on. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:37 PM Flag
»
Maybe you don't have enough experience with the system. Two of my kids attend schools with no sibling policy. They are at selective middles, so unzoned. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:39 PM Flag
»
NP: poster should have specified elementary schools, and then probably said NYC as well as you might point out that this is not true in Ohio. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:22 PM Flag
»
Do Stuy and Bronx Sci have sibling preference? Plenty of schools don't have that. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:41 PM Flag
»
Name one public elementary or K-8 that doesn't. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:44 PM Flag
»
I see you are now changing your criteria. You were wrong. Get over it. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:48 PM Flag
»
And you knew what I meant from the beginning. Enjoy your debating point. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:51 PM Flag
»
LOL. No, you argued that the statement "There are plenty of NYC public schools with no sibling preference out there" was wrong. I guess you didn't think before you posted. Oh well. It is so funny when people use the "you knew what I meant" statement. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:57 PM Flag
»
The guy's daughter is applying for K. Like I said, enjoy your debating point. You're awesome. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:00 PM Flag
»
The guy's daughter is applying for K. Like I said, enjoy your debating point. You're awesome. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:00 PM Flag
»
That has nothing to do with the statement. Can't just admit you are wrong and move on, can you? This must really be nagging at you. Bet you'll think about it all day. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:02 PM Flag
»
Yet you're the one who won't let it go. Yes, given the context of K admissions, I omitted selective high schools and middle schools. While you're savoring that debate point, feel free to come up with an example of a public school that doesn't offer a sibling preference for K admissions. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:07 PM Flag
»
NP: nearly all do - but I can name some - Special Music School for one. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:23 PM Flag
»
^ and that includes most charters BTW - it might even be all charters but I don't know enough about them - sibling policy is considered a family friendly policy. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:37 PM Flag
»
While I am no supporter of sibling preference, it's a lot easier if your kids go to different high schools, where they can go on their own, vs. you have two kids go to different elementary or middle schools where you have to take them. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:18 PM Flag
»
there is no sibling policy past 4th grade. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:39 PM Flag
»
Agree. That guy is really embarrassing himself. He's giving all G&T parents a bad name. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:43 PM Flag
»
I think many people will be interested in hearing where he DD ends up in the end:) [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:47 PM Flag
»
this is going to be the thing that pisses me off the most. i've heard anecdotally that if you sue, say, if your scores are lost, you get in. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:10 PM Flag
»
For a math professor, this guy sure has a shaky grasp on how little his odds will improve even if sibling preference is abolished (not to mention margin of error -- his snowflake's 99 is no better than anyone else's). [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:51 PM Flag
»
This. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:00 PM Flag
»
He is clearly making a stand on principle - obviously he knows this isn't going to benefit his dd. just like that girl in TX attended another college even while suing UT to abolish aff action. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:13 PM Flag
»
Only qualified siblings get in, not every sibling. And the tests are not designed to be sensitive enough to rank kids in precise order. His stand may be principled, in his eyes, but it isn't backed up by logic or math. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:12 PM Flag
»
He is clearly making a stand on principle - obviously he knows this isn't going to benefit his dd. just like that girl in TX attended another college even while suing UT to abolish aff action. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:07 PM Flag
»
this [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 09:00 PM Flag
»
he sux [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:08 PM Flag
»
Does anyone know exactly how many spots do go to siblings every year? In other words, how much does the sibling policy reduce a non-sibling's chance of getting in? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:14 PM Flag
»
15% of seats, perhaps? Maybe more like 20% this year, given all the G&T mistakes (incorrectly increasing many kids scores). [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:17 PM Flag
»
it's not incorrectly increasing them. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:26 PM Flag
»
The DOE reported that HALF of the tests had the wrong test date on them (a default test date of January 21st). If kids took the exam before January 21st and were in the 50% who had the incorrect default test date used, they were recorded as being younger than they really were. If the child were at the edge of the 3 month age band, that could have pushed them into a younger age band, where you could get more wrong and still get a 99% (or whatever score). Most kids took the test before January 21st (the last date to take it was around January 28th). So this error certainly allowed some kids to get a higher score. But certainly not worth a lawsuit IMHO!! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:41 PM Flag
»
If the scores were based on the kids' ages on January 21, then wouldn't kids who took it before January 21 actually have been younger when they took the test? For example, if a kid took the test on January 15, and turned 4.3 on January 20, he actually took the test when he was in the 4.0-4.2 age band, but using January 21 as the default test date, his score would've been calculated as if he took the test when he was in the older 4.3-4.5 age band. Or maybe I'm misunderstanding how the January 21 default date comes into play. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 05:15 PM Flag
»
No, there were not HALF of all the tests with the incorrect test date. There were approx. 300. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:53 AM Flag
»
math doesn't only work in one direction. there were just as many artificially increased scores as artificially decreased ones. the doe issued a statement that they wouldn't penalize any kid for their mistake, but the meaning of that statement was that they wouldn't reduce the scores of kids who had already been given (incorrect) higher ones [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 09:08 PM Flag
»
This is correct. There were a total of 4 errors (not every student had all 4 errors; some only had a few). The error that affected everyone was the wrong formula used by Pearson to convert scores to the percentile rank. That is the only error that universally affected scores. A math guy from the DOE who we spoke to yesterday explained that the effect of that particular error was that the kids scoring in the lower 50% had scores that were higher than they should have been; kids scoring above 50% had scores lower than they should have been. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:56 AM Flag
»
dd's score went up 3%--I was surprised it was so much. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 03:39 AM Flag
»
Using a prior year number's for NEST" NEST made 110 offers to fill 100 seats, ~22 of tehm were to sibs (so 20%). Using DOE general data we can guess that ~55% of those sibs were 99s - so approximately 9% of sibling seats went to students who received either a 97 or a 98 - mine included. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:30 PM Flag
»
You should also include that fact that after k, ALL open seats go to sibs who didn't get in at k. dd has had 99 for k entry, for first, second, and now third (all 99s) and no citywide spot (we list Anderson, NEST, and BSI every year)--we've been told that, for most of the citywides all open seats after k are filled by sibs. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:49 PM Flag
»
that is actually not true; I'll give you the statistics again from NEST - ~5-7 siblings qualify for 1st grade (it is just under half of those that try again after K). NEST increases from 25 to 28 students for all 4 classes + there is a small amount of attrition in K (12+ seats total) - so there are usually 5-7 non-sib seats as well. The year my daughter got in for 1st grade there were 10 non-sib seats for 1st. Now for BSI your statement is true as they take 28 in K and have problems with even accepting Sibs, Anderson is in the middle - they sometimes have non-sib but mostly they don't. TAG and STEM have traditionally had non-sib seats as well for 1st. Truth is there are not enough total seats in the citywide system - that blame falls squarely on the DOE who shut down expansion of these highly popular programs not on families trying to get their kids to and from school. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 07:41 PM Flag
»
^ I apologize I reread your statement - yes for MOST 3/5 of the five citywides they may fill up with sibs. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 07:42 PM Flag
»
STEM has seats for non sibs after K every year. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 07:50 PM Flag
»
OK except for STEM [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 08:02 PM Flag
»
so does NEST - not enough seats to begin with is the real issue - I'm glad STEM finally got to expand. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 09:01 PM Flag
»
OK so except for STEM, NEST and TAG - otherwise ALL! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 09:03 PM Flag
»
I think TAG fills with sibs. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 09:47 PM Flag
»
I've called about NEST for the last 3 yrs. Each time they said they might have 1-2 openings after sibs. So okay 1-2 seats remain open for the rest of the city after sibs. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 09:47 PM Flag
»
same experience--3 99s, listed 3 citywides and no seat for any of the last 3 years. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 09:48 PM Flag
»
Well, I opted for district g&t to prioritize keeping dcs together--the next year the doe closed the g&t program so now they're in two different schools anyway. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:54 AM Flag
»
This is generally true, but there are exceptions. I have a kid at Anderson; when she was in 2nd grade, there were 2 new students. In 3rd grade, another 2 new students. (i.e., non-sibs). [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:57 AM Flag
»
like I said, from 1st grade on, after sibs there 1-2 seats per year per school. The whole city can fight for them. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 03:40 AM Flag
»
This is generally true, but there are exceptions. I have a kid at Anderson; when she was in 2nd grade, there were 2 new students. In 3rd grade, another 2 new students. (i.e., non-sibs). [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:57 AM Flag
»
"a private school-quality education at no cost" ha ha ha ha [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 06:41 PM Flag
»
I agree with him and also have no dog in this hunt. One of the reasons Hunter maintains such a high performing student body is no sibling preference. If it's G&T, bye bye sibs. If it's gen ed or private school, sibling policy makes a ton of sense because it's about community, shared values, range of learning abilities etc. Also a collateral benefit --maybe it would put a speed bump on the overbreeding. I know...no chance of that as the suburban station wagon brigade of yesteryear is never leaving nyc. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 08:42 PM Flag
»
Hunter has a 2nd subjective screening is the reason - for G&T that was found to be discriminatory. Sibs play only a tiny part of the water down effect. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 09:02 PM Flag
»
Let's be clear. Hunter CLAIMS there is no sib preference, but there are a surprising number of siblings at a school that purports to have no sib preference. I think there definitely is some consideration given to sibs, but it is definitely not across the board. They are selective. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 01:59 AM Flag
[ - ] Will anyone give up a private school spot now that DOE middle school decisions are out? 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.17.13, 03:03 PM Flag
»
My guess is this is extremely rare. Maybe you give up private for SMS, maybe (long shot) for Anderson or Mark Twain, but public and private middle are very different experiences. I think that is more common for elementary or high school [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:11 PM Flag
[ - ] Given the choice of Chapin and Spence, which would you choose for your DD and why? 53 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.17.13, 02:48 PM Flag
»
neither [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 02:45 PM Flag
»
Then which SS would you choose? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 02:57 PM Flag
»
None [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:14 PM Flag
»
Hewitt and I don't care that it's not TT. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:15 PM Flag
»
you'll regret that starting in about 4th grade. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:17 PM Flag
»
pp: know a few kids who've actually started in 3rd grade and whent through high school and their experience has been excellent. I think it's a personal choice for all parents. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:19 PM Flag
»
Hewitt and choice cannot be used in the same sentence. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:17 PM Flag
»
Don't bash schools. I know a lot of people who are very happy there. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:28 PM Flag
»
Yes. Paying $40K + a year, you have to convince yourselves that you are "happy". Do not know anyone who would pass B,S or C for Hewitt. Let's be honest. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:24 PM Flag
»
A LOT! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:05 PM Flag
»
it's always a choice and you'd be surprised how many people would chose a lower tier school over TT. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:35 PM Flag
»
Rarely a choice actually - You apply to 10 schools and you will be lucky to get offers from two or three. So not sure how that is exactly your choice. Cut the crap! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:05 PM Flag
»
we chose Hewitt in K over 2 other schools. not TT schools, but we had a choice and picked Hewitt [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:56 AM Flag
»
Chapin. Better location, more serious vibe. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 02:45 PM Flag
»
Sorry but Fifth Avenue (Spence) is far better than East End Avenue (Chapin) in terms of location. Central Park vs. Carl Schulz? Not even close in my book. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 11:27 PM Flag
»
for what grade? did you get off waitlist? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:01 PM Flag
»
Kindergarten and no we already made our choice. I keep wondering if DH and I made the right choice though. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:10 PM Flag
»
I hope you chose Chapin. It's a great school. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:11 PM Flag
»
We chose Spence, actually. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:16 PM Flag
»
I'm sure you'll be happy there--don't second guess yourself now. Or more to the point, why are you second guessing yourself? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:15 PM Flag
»
+1 [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:22 PM Flag
»
We got an amazing feel for Spence when we toured. We liked Chapin as well, but DH and I liked Spence more. DD isn't painfully shy, but she definitely has her moments/is more of a quiet child who likes to play by herself usually. I've been hearing a lot lately that shy girls struggle a lot at Spence. Worried that I chose the school which I liked better, but may not be the best fit for DD. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:24 PM Flag
»
Honestly, shy girls have to work their way through any school setting. She'll be fine, and equally as fine as she would be at Chapin. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:26 PM Flag
»
Spence is our dream school (applying next year). Congrats! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 11:27 PM Flag
»
Spence. Better facility, better location and better academics. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:11 PM Flag
»
Spence better location, same academics. But Chapin is about to edge past Spence. Strong science, robotics, and chess now , in the lower school [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:15 PM Flag
»
No. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:11 PM Flag
»
LOL. The so called "Robotics" are just lego projects. Total lack of creativity. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:20 PM Flag
»
didn't the chapin middle school team win the city qualifier? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:23 PM Flag
»
+1 and they do it at most private schools in NYC. Brearley, Spence, CSH, MM, Dwight, BWL, and Trevor I know all do it as well, probably more. They just make robots out of legos and use a simple programming software to make the robot go in a circle or pick up a ball. No as impressive as it sounds. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:26 PM Flag
»
This is correct; they use a program called Lego Mindstorm, but who cares - the kids have fun. (The serious robotics happens at the specialized high schools and a couple of privates, I believe). [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 10:07 PM Flag
»
I would argue worse facility, worse location, worse academics. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:17 PM Flag
»
better location if you want your kids hanging at yura. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:21 PM Flag
»
ITA. Spence is the better all-around school and the HOS is extraordinary. Also, the facilities can't compare. Spence's new 90th street building for the upper school, its beaux arts mansion for the lower school, the new sports complex being built. Its facilities are insanely beautiful, and it's ranked as a top ten school in the country -- well ahead of Chapin academically. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 11:31 PM Flag
»
Definitely Spence. Several reasons. Better academics, more interesting parent body which helps in the long-run with internships, etc. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:14 PM Flag
»
we chose spence. no comparison to us. chapin fams more "aspiring, wanna be's" [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:14 PM Flag
»
Us too. We found the Chapin families and admin to be a bit stiffer, colder. Spence was so diverse and warm it was astonishing to us given what we expected. Spence is such a beautiful mix of attributes. They are obviously both excellent schools academically. Spence slightly ahead in the rankings but not significantly. Spence just stole our heart on an emotional level. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 12:17 AM Flag
»
If DD is shy and quiet, then Chapin. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:10 PM Flag
»
hahaha!! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:13 PM Flag
»
K mom here with DD at chapin. This year's K class are all hams. Can't speak for the other classes [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:13 PM Flag
»
good ham or bad ham? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:16 PM Flag
»
Hams? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:26 PM Flag
»
good funny outgoing hams :) [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:38 PM Flag
»
We chose Chapin. Better fit for our DD and our family. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:16 PM Flag
»
How so? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:27 PM Flag
»
Liked the lower school admin a whole bunch, and LOVE the K families. Very down to earth. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:37 PM Flag
»
Spence - more refined and cultured. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:19 PM Flag
»
stop. lol. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 03:26 PM Flag
»
hot girls [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 10:51 PM Flag
»
Marymount is usually the first choice before Chapin or Spence (or Brearley). Just ask any of the MM parents on UB. They will tell you. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:03 PM Flag
»
It would be more interesting to hear from those parents who chose B, S or C over MM and now kicking themselves! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 10:04 PM Flag
»
What drugs are you on? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 11:40 PM Flag
»
Chapin, Spence does not have high school or middle school musicals [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:57 AM Flag
[ - ] Any info on COLUMBIA SECONDARY SCHOOL in Harlem ? Any good? 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.17.13, 02:40 PM Flag
»
i know someone who went to harvard with me who has a kid there and thinks it's very good. just including harvard so you'll know they are familiar with highly competitive educational situations... [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:35 PM Flag
»
How old are you? This school has been open less than a decade [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:47 PM Flag
»
^^^sorry I misread [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 04:47 PM Flag
»
but you are right: I AM old :( [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.17.13, 07:29 PM Flag
»
I know lots of kids there as our bldg is across the street. Gets mixed reviews. Most kids in the nabe choose delta or private [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.18.13, 02:50 AM Flag
Refresh » New Post »
Select Category
close [X]

close [X]

Select a Category (only 1)

category
Stages
Regions