Here is a summary of responses to my question about pre-K, some from this list, some from other NYC lists. Thank you very much to everyone for your responses, information, opinions, etc.
- Someone suggested I sign up from updates on the DOE website http://schools.nyc.gov/Subscribe/default.htm
- PS 150, which is a non-zoned school in Tribeca, was recommended both in general and specifically for pre-K.
- PS 87 on the UWS was recommended both generally and for pre-K specifically.
- Opinions varied on the experience of getting in. Some people reported situations where no one without either a sibling in the school or being directly in the school zone got in. Others reported spots opening up up later in the summer, so even if the child doesn’t get in through the lottery first-round, it can be beneficial to stay in touch with the school(s) and/or the DOE
- Having an older sibling in the school helps (I think I knew this, and it doesn’t help us with our oldest, but will help with his brother)
- Heard about some positive experiences with “private” pre-K that qualify for some public funding and receive some money off tuition. Based on the responses I got, it sounds like the funding is for several hours per day, but not necessarily the whole day, so the rest of the day is charged just like a private pre-school.
- There were multiple recommendations for www.insideschools.org
- I also got recommendations for the following:
o the Parents League, which has a low membership fee
o Joyce Szuflita, as a personal school consultant
http://www.achildgrows.com/2011/01/13/intro-to-public-school-talks-2-are-free/
http://www.nycschoolhelp.com/
o www.ivywise.com
o www.urbanbaby.com