Frequently Asked Questions
FEATURED PUBLICATIONS
LOTTERY AND ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
IS ANYONE GIVEN PREFERENCE IN THE LOTTERY?
In accordance with New York State law, preference is given to students in the following order:
(1) Applicants whose sibling is currently attending the school to which he/she is applying.
(2) New applicants who reside in the same Community School District (CSD) where the school is located.
(3) New applicant whose sibling is selected in the lottery if they are applying to the same school.
Note: Each New Visions Charter High School has a separate lottery.
Before applicants receive preference, New Visions verifies siblings (including step-siblings, adoptive siblings and half-siblings) live in the same household, verifies addresses with public databases and requests proof of address from applicants.
HOW DOES THE LOTTERY WORK?
A computer randomly selects applicants for seats 1 through 125. Students who have preference in the lottery will be selected first. An independent, impartial community member will serve as an auditor and will observe the lottery to ensure that student selection is random. To view a PDF about the lottery process, click here.
DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO BE PRESENT AT THE LOTTERY TO RECEIVE A SEAT?
No. Applicants are welcome to attend the public lottery on April 17, 2012, but attendance is not required for admission to a New Visions Charter High School. Letters informing applicants of the results of the lottery will be sent following the lottery event.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY CHILD RECEIVES A SEAT?
Students who receive seats will receive a registration packet that includes all documents required for enrollment and a list of Registration Session dates and times. Registration documents must be submitted in person by Friday, May 4, 2012 or students will lose their seat. Click here for information about registration sessions.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD DOES NOT RECEIVE A SEAT?
Any student who does not receive a seat in the lottery is automatically placed on the Waiting List. Enrollment from the Waiting List is ongoing. Students will be notified in list order as soon as a seat opens up at the school. Waitlisted students will have 5 days from the date of notification to register or they will lose their place on the list.
THE LOTTERY HAS ALREADY HAPPENED. CAN I STILL APPLY?
Yes, to submit an application for the waiting list, click here.
GENERAL INFORMATION
WHO IS NEW VISIONS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS?
New Visions for Public Schools is a non-profit organization that has worked to improve the quality of education children receive in New York City for the past 20 years. New Visions currently supports 77 schools and serves 41,000 students in high need areas throughout the city. New Visions has also worked with the Department of Education and hundreds of community partners to create 135 small schools that serve tens of thousands of public school students, preparing them for college and beyond.
HOW ARE NEW VISIONS CHARTER SCHOOLS PERFORMING?
Because the charter schools are beginning their first year, it is too early to report on student performance. We provide a rigorous, project-based, writing intensive curriculum to ensure students are prepared for college, careers and beyond. Our goals for 9th grade students include attendance rates of 90% or higher, Regents passage rates that exceed the minimum State requirements, and passage of all courses each trimester with an average of 80 or higher.
WHAT IS A CHARTER SCHOOL?
Charter schools are public schools that are free and open to all students. Instead of being run by the Department of Education, charter schools are managed by organizations that have more freedom and flexibility with curriculum, scheduling, and teacher selection. Like district schools, all charter schools are responsible for following state education laws and are reviewed and evaluated by the New York State Department of Education.
DO YOU HAVE TO PAY TO ATTEND A CHARTER SCHOOL?
No, charter schools do not charge tuition.
SCHOOL INFORMATION
DO STUDENTS WEAR UNIFORMS?
Yes, all students are required to wear uniforms to school.
WHAT IS THE SCHOOL SCHEDULE AT NEW VISIONS CHARTER SCHOOLS?
Our students attend school from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, except on Wednesdays, when they are dismissed early. After school programs are available from 4:30 – 6 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is a mandatory summer program for students entering 9th grade and students going into the 10th grade.
HOW ARE THE SCHOOLS FOR ADVANCED MATH AND SCIENCE (AMS) DIFFERENT FROM THE SCHOOLS FOR THE HUMANITIES (HUM)?
In the 9th and 10th grades, both schools focus on strengthening reading, writing and speaking skills. In the 11th and 12th grades, students will have opportunities to take career preparation, Advanced Placement, and college-level classes. In the upper grades, AMS students will be able to take specialized math and science courses, which is ideal for students interested in pursuing careers such as engineering, medicine, computer technology or environmental science. HUM students will be able to take specialized courses in literature, history and writing, which are ideal for students interested in pursuing careers in fields such as law, education, journalism and the arts.
HOW WILL THE NEW VISIONS CHARTER HIGH SCHOOLS PREPARE STUDENTS FOR COLLEGE AND CAREERS?
New Visions Charter High Schools focus on developing students’ academic, communication and organizational skills – job readiness skills which are critical to success in any college or career. Students will also complete projects connected to real-world issues, meet with industry representatives, visit a variety of job sites, job shadow, intern, to learn about a variety of career opportunities.
At AMS II (Jane Addams Campus) and HUM II (Samuel Gompers Campus), students in the 11th and 12th grades, will have the opportunity to complete a sequence of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses and complete industry certification exams where needed. Potential areas of industry focus at AMS II are Health Sciences and Science Research and Engineering. At HUM II, potential areas of focus include Business Management and Administration and Hospitality and Tourism. The specific areas of certification will be determined in collaboration with the school community, South Bronx community and industry representatives.
ARE SPORTS OFFERED AT THE NEW VISIONS CHARTER SCHOOLS?
Yes, each school will offer sports through the Schools Atheltic League.
HOW ARE SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER STUDENTS SUPPORTED?
Our schools use a collaborative team teaching (CTT) approach where a special education teacher or an English language learner specialist co-teaches and provides supports to the core subject area teacher. Speech and Counseling Services are provided on-site, and students are referred off-site for additional support services. Upon admission to the schools, a students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) and/or language needs are reviewed with the parent to determine the best approach to providing classroom and individual support to the student.
HOW DO NEW VISION SCHOOLS INTERACT WITH OTHER SCHOOLS ON CAMPUS?
New Visions Charter High Schools will be located with district schools on shared campuses across the city. Our school leaders communicate and collaborate with other schools to ensure students have access to space, resources, and are part of a larger school community.
IS THERE A SUMMER PROGRAM?
Yes, there is a required summer program for 9th and 10th grade students. Visit the Events page for summer bridge dates for each school.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
WHO CAN APPLY TO A NEW VISIONS CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL?
Any student who successfully meets the NYC 8th grade graduation requirements is eligible to apply. There are no exams, essays or interviews required for admission. We welcome applications from English Language Learners and student with special needs.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Simply submit an application. Applications are available at www.newvisions.org/charter/apply, at the school site or can be mailed or faxed to interested applicants. Applications must be submitted online or postmarked by 5 pm on April 2, 2012. It is important to note that applying to New Visions Charter High Schools is separate and independent from the New York City Department of Education high school selection process.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION?
Each school will enroll 125 students for each 9th grade class on a first come, first serve basis. If more than 125 applications are received, students are admitted by lottery.