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Making the Most of Middle School Choice

By HEATHER HADDON

Choosing a middle school has always been a source of parental headaches and nail biting. But with the vast changes this year in the school system, parents have an even greater task ahead of them.

At a middle school fair held last week by the Educational Counseling Center (ECC), a local agency established by the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, PS 8 parents Claris Villatoro and Barbara Echevarria busily amassed reams of information. Caucusing together to sift through the options, they are doing their homework early. Both of their children are still in the fourth grade.

"We're getting a jump on things," said Villatoro, from Norwood. "There are new rules, and a lot to learn." Both collected applications to begin getting a handle on different schools' guidelines, as nearly 300 attendees drifted among different school tables.

There are pros and cons to every school option, and parents should be prepared to ask some tough questions. Does the school have special programs to encourage learning? Will art, music or special academic programs be offered? Does the school have a calm, welcoming atmosphere, or is it a madhouse? Is it in the neighborhood or will transportation be necessary? 

Education experts advise parents to start thinking about these and other questions early. While it may feel like the kids just enrolled in school for this year, many middle schools require applications, recommendations or a battery of tests for next year. For arts schools like the Bronx Dance Academy, there is a two-part audition. Others mandate interviews.

All this information can be overwhelming, especially for kids. PS 340 student Grace Bruno sat down determinedly before a stack of applications at the ECC fair. "It's really scary to think about going to a new school," said Bruno, 11, filling in her name on a form for the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in Riverdale.

To help parents and kids, the Norwood News came up with this guide to navigating the system. For more specific guidance locally, consult the ECC at 3085 Bainbridge Ave. in Norwood (718-652-0470). 

A great resource on the Web is www.insideschools.org, which is chock full of school profiles and advice (and provided much of the research for this guide). 

• Talk to the Learning Support Center: The old districts used to handle transfers and admissions to special middle school programs. With the districts basically defunct, the new regions are all handling the process differently. The local Learning Support Center at One Fordham Plaza (718-741-7090) is a good starting point for getting a sense of how Region 1 is handling middle school choice. 
  

• Go to the open houses: Many selective programs showcase their classrooms during established times. Other schools can be viewed by calling the guidance counselor. This is one of the most important steps in getting a flavor of the school environment, and asking specific questions. 
  

• Attend middle school fairs: Many agencies and schools host representatives from various middle school options at a fair. PS 51 held one this week Ñ contact your child's current elementary and prospective middle schools to see if they plan to organize an event.
  

• Formulate questions: Prepare a list of questions before taking a tour or talking to a staff person. This is a good way to get information about the school's philosophy, teaching style, programs and clubs, and atmosphere.
  

• Give the school a good up-and-down: Are the teachers engaging? Do the students look bored? How are the classroom libraries? Are the books new and are there enough of them? Are the classroom walls lined with students' work? Are the projects interesting and well executed? And most importantly, could you envision your child walking down these hallways?
  

• Get your child involved: Bring them on the tours. Gauge their reactions to different schools. Make sure they're happy with the option they will have to live with.
  

• Establish good relationships with teachers and the school's secretary: Middle schools will often require letters of recommendation and school records, including the fourth grade state exams. Having the school administration on your side is helpful in gathering together all the required information. 
  

• Do your research: Talk with teachers at your child's school about where they might do well. Visit the Education Counseling Center, and ask for one-on-one guidance and their middle school resource directory. Ask other parents of middle schoolers about their child's experience.
  

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