Every child in New York City is assigned to a neighborhood school. If you are unsatisfied with your neighborhood school, you may consider magnet schools, charter schools, gifted programs and alternative schools, as well as other neighborhood schools outside your zone. Transfers are tricky, but not impossible. Evaluate your neighborhood school first, preferably by visiting it.
Many schools have regular tours and open houses.
Look at the school profile on this website. Choosing a Public School . The most comprehensive guides to New York City public schools are two books by Clara Hemphill, the project director of Public School Reports. New York Magazine called these required reading. The Parent's Guide to New York City's Best Public Elementary Schools Go to top.