In middle school, the academic work gets harder. Help your tween read better with three easy tips you can do at home. 1) “Click or Clunk”: Check your understanding Help your child become a...

For parents and caregivers, finding an affirming school for your LGBTQ+ child can be overwhelming. NYC public schools have policies protecting LGBTQ+ students, families and educators. Here are...

The following is a sponsored message from Ascend Public Charter Schools. Join Ascend, with caring, committed teachers who see the brilliance and potential in every child! Attend an Open House or...

According to city regulations, your child may change schools if you move, or if there are significant safety or medical issues at your current school. An elementary school child may apply for a...

Many schools have after-school programs to accommodate children of parents who work. Some of these programs are free, but most charge a fee. Some after-school programs are held in the school...

The conventional wisdom is that most elementary school children in New York City attend their zoned neighborhood schools and that the city’s high levels of school segregation merely reflect...

InsideSchools and The Center for New York City Affairs hosted a discussion on March 31, 2015, about Mayor Bill de Blasio's Pre-K roll-out, with helpful advice for parents on how to find a good...

In New York State students in grades 3–8 take annual exams in English language arts and math, typically administered in April. Students in grades 4–8 also take a state exam in science. One of the...

The Specialized High Schools are known for being far more segregated than the typical NYC high school. Each year, we hear how few Black students get into Stuyvesant (only 10 in 2019), but little is...

Watch this video for a crash course on everything you need to know about the specialized high schools:

This video and the guide below will help you be a fierce advocate for your special needs child. In this video we show you examples of what great special education services and resources look like...

A quick video about types of related services offered in NYC schools:

What is an ASD-NEST program, and is it right for your child? Watch this video to learn more:

Every child is different. One child may need more support learning to read than her classmate, and another may “get” math concepts better when he has something to touch and count. Supporting how...

Nearly 15% of New York City public high school students and about 18% of middle school students attend academically “screened” schools that rely on such factors as student grade point averages and...

Mayor Bill de Blasio’s proposal to end use of the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) would make the city’s most elite public high schools more racially and ethnically diverse. The...

The Department of Education encourages at least 20 minutes of outdoor recess whenever possible. In guidance sent to principals, the DOE stipulates that children should be allowed to play outdoors...

Expert advice on how to identify a high-quality Pre-K program for your child:

As a part of the Center for NYC Affairs at The New School, InsideSchools combines practical information for parents and cutting-edge policy research. Past research projects include a look at...

Are you confused by your child’s math homework? Is science an afterthought in your child’s school? These videos and the guide below will help you find out whether your children are getting the math...

Buy the 4th edition of New York City's Best Public Pre-K and Elementary Schools by Clara Hemphill and Lydie Raschka, with Pamela Wheaton, Laura Zingmond and the InsideSchools staff here. All-new...

A quick primer on types of middle schools and what to look for:

Here are the basics on how to apply to middle schools in the city:

This guide will help you research schools, dive into the data, and ask the right questions on your middle school visits.

The High School Fair is huge, and very crowded! Here's some tips and tricks to get the most out of your experience there.