New York City has the largest district of schools in the United States. The city is divided into 32 districts which are divided into zones for the purpose of defining neighborhoods. At times, all of this can be very confusing for families living in the city, so here are some facts you should know before picking a neighborhood for your family:

  • Citywide and Community Education Councils are advisory committees of elected parent leaders who help to administer schools on the district level. The councils are made up of 12 people — 9 elected parent members, 2 community members or local business owners appointed by the borough president and 1 (nonvoting) high school senior.
  • New York City’s public schools also include all of the charter schools in the five boroughs.
  • New York City has 32 elementary and middle school jurisdictions that are known as community school districts.
  • A zoned school is a neighborhood school, which is supposed to accept all children who live in its boundaries.
  • According to the teachers union, the United Federation of Teachers (U.F.T.), the following are the maximum sizes of classes allowed under their contract:
    • Prekindergarten: 18 students with a teacher and a paraprofessional
    • Kindergarten: 25 students
    • Grades 1-6: 32 students Junior High/Middle School: 33 students in non-Title I schools; 30 in Title I schools.
    • High School: 34 students; 50 in Physical Education/Gym.
  • Upper East Side: PS 158, PS 290, PS 151 and a new school, PS 527
  • Lower Manhattan: PS 89, PS 276, PS 397 and the new Peck Slip School
  • Brooklyn’s District 20: PS 180, PS 164, PS 105, PS 69, PS 160, PS 163 and PS 200 PLUS PS 160, PS 105, PS 164, PS 180 and PS 69

http://www.wnyc.org/schoolbook/guides/understanding/

http://mommypoppins.com/newyorkcitykids/nyc-school-zone-maps-2012-doe-public-schools-zones

http://www.trulia.com/real_estate/New_York-New_York/schools/