Brooklyn schools (Ridge: neighborhood, middle schools, living in)

[yosser]

Hi, moving to Brklyn in July. I have a 4th/6th grader and am hoping to get some help with the schools. Are they zoned or how do you guarantee a place? I am nervous about public schools-particularly the middle schools-as I have heard some horror stories. I think it is too late to apply to private schools now?
Also what areas do you recommend living. Is park slope really that good? My budget is $4k per month for a 3 bed.
Thanks

[yosser]

OK, anyone tell me anything about living in Brooklyn ie best places for my price range? Safe and good public schools?
Thanks

[NewYorkNative]

It's too late for private schools.
Do a lot of research on public schools & come back with some specific questions about a few schools.
Park Slope is really that good.

[jenn76]

Middle schools go by zones, just like elementary schools. It really depends on how your neighborhood is, that's the kids that will be attending the school. There is a really prestigious private school in Bay Ridge called Polly Prep. I don't know their cut off date for registration, but you should call them and find out, since it's a prvate school, they have their own schedule. You could also go on greatschools.net and see all the demographics and grades for each school. It will tell you how the kids do on tests, and what's the population type there. Many people also use catholic/yeshiva schools. There is also a russian school, they do teach russian language there, but their curriculum is strong as well.

[Rachael84]

5th graders can apply to different middle schools. I'm not sure how far they can apply to though. I teach Kindergarten and tutor 5th graders at the end of the school day (in the Bronx), and I know that they were given a list of about 15 different Bronx middle schools, but that was it.