While it’s fairly obvious that New York City has many opportunities to learn outside of the classroom, whether through browsing its wonderful and strange museums or admiring buildings by the world’s best architects, what you may not be aware of is the city’s focus and strength in education.
Both New York’s top public and private schools provide rich learning experiences that match the rich atmosphere in which the institutions reside.
If you’re looking to raise a family in Manhattan, keep this list of the borough’s best public elementary, middle, and high schools in mind.
*(Please note the following institutions are listed in alphabetical order and are in no way ordered through rank of any kind. All information is taken from the Department of Education website and the respective school’s website.)*
1. The Anderson School, Upper West Side
Grades Served: K-8
Student Enrollment: 554
DOE 2012-2013 Progress Report: 89.6/100
The Anderson School, designed to meet the special needs of children with superior intellectual potential, makes a “philosophical commitment…to the whole child: balancing social, emotional and educational development.”
2. East Side Middle School, Upper East Side
Grades served: 6-8
Enrollment: 438
DOE 2012-2013 Progress Report: 84.7
East Side Middle School ranked better than 99.7% of middle schools in New York in 2014.
It is recognized by City College and the New York State Department of Education as a “Professional Development School for science, mathematics, and technology.”
3. Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, Upper West Side
Grades served: 9-12
Enrollment: 2,701
DOE 2012-2013 Progress Report: 80.9/100
Known as the school in “Fame!”, LaGuardia cultivates artistically talented high school students with a professionally trained staff.
Notable alumni include Jennifer Aniston and Nicki Minaj.
4. High School for Mathematics, Science and Engineering at City College, Harlem
Grades served: 9-12
Enrollment: 449
DOE 2012-2013 Progress Report: 83.7/100
Among its many opportunities, HSMSE offers its students the chance to study at the Goethe Institut abroad and earn 12 college credits at City College.
5. New Explorations Into Science, Technology and Math (NEST+M), Lower East Side
Grades Served: K-12
Student Enrollment: 1,612
DOE 2012-2013 Progress Report: 80/100
NEST+M requires each student to pass a special gifted admissions exam before participating in its rigorous and challenging curriculum, earning the school awards such as the Blackboard Award in 2009 and a gold medal ranking as one of the country’s top 100 high schools.
6. P.S. 77 Lower Lab School, Upper East Side
Grades Served: K-5
Enrollment: 347
DOE 2012-2013 Progress Report: 90.8/100
The Lower Lab School operates on a research-based, interdisciplinary curriculum, which includes learning experiences such as visits to the New York Stock Exchange and the use of literature over textbooks as teaching tools.
7. Special Music School at Kaufman Music Center, Upper West Side
Grades Served: K-12
Enrollment: 188
DOE 2012-2013 Progress Report: 80.8/100
New York City’s only K-12 public school for musically gifted children, the Special Music School combines intensive instrumental study with a strong academic program.
It recently ranked #1 on NY State English tests.
8. Stuyvesant High School, Battery Park City
Grades served: 9-12
Enrollment: 3,284
DOE 2012-2013 Progress Report: 83.1/100
Stuyvesant High School’s Advance Placement participation rate is 84 percent. It is ranked 69th in national high schools and 12th within New York state.
9. Talented & Gifted School for Young Scholars, East Harlem
Grades served: K-8
Enrollment: 529
DOE 2012-2013 Progress Report: 77.4/100
TAG Young Scholars is 1 of 3 citywide Gifted and Talented schools in the city.
Students from all boroughs may attend after passing an admissions exam graded by the gifted and talented admissions requirements set forth by the New York City Department of Education.
Summary
Still not convinced raising children in New York City is a good idea?
Let this ease your mind before contacting a Platinum Properties friendly and professional real estate agent.
Sheila Orfano 
