Help! Moving with a 10th grader from the UK to Manhattan & needs IB !

[Meoowster]

Hello!

My DH has just announced that he is seriously considering taking a job in Manhattan and leaving the UK. I've lived in the US and am ok with N.Y.C, but am absolutely panicked about taking our DS out of his current GCSE's and moving him to anything that wont be an A-level standard, eventually (as there is a good chance he will want to attend a UK or EU university).
I've seen listings for a few private and public schools in Manhattan that have the IB program but can anyone recommend any, and is it actually possible, after the eighth grade, to enroll a student into a Manhattan public school?!!
Thanks in Advance for your help!

[pilpiloni]

Have you looked at the United Nations international school? I have a colleague who has a child in 10th grade there who is pleased with the school

[Laptopwieldingharpy]

Just in time to start the diploma, which takes 3 years. I would recommend you opt for IB rather then US curriculum which is not a qualification easily transferable in europe. A strong IB candidate compares favorably with A levels for entry in UK universities.
It would only be a problem to abandon GSCEs if you were not to complete it and return to the UK system in those 3 years.
The IB diploma is meant to be accessible from candidates coming from any system provided they have a strong foundation in their current school.
A goid GSCE candidate should have no problem accessing the curriculum, don't worry too much!

[Pupsiecola]

This may not be an issue for you but I'm pretty sure that if your DS returns to the UK having spent 3+ years overseas he will have to pay foreign student fees.

[Want2bSupermum]

The majority of public schools work on a strict boundary catchment system and you must live in that area to attend the school. There are then certain schools that take in students from a wider geographic catchment area. They are normally technical high schools and are extremely hard to get into.

If I were you I would Google each of the schools and check them out online. Once you have narrowed down your list call the schools to ask more questions about placement.

[meditrina]

That's a very good point about international student fees. Something to check now, not have a nasty shock about later.

I think it's 3 years outside EU when automatic eligibility ends, but there is some leeway for those abroad on temporary postings who maintain a home and intention to return to UK. Will you/your DH be paying UK taxes whilst you are abroad?

[Meoowster]

Hi,
Yes, thanks I have the UNIS on my shortlist. I'm also checking out Dwight as it seems to have an excellent sports program (I'm just not sure about how safe its sport center location is? East Harlem). I haven't been to NY in a while and Ive heard there has been lots of changes in quality and safety of areas but would love feedback on this also.

[Meoowster]

I'm not really concerned about the return process as my DH is primarily based out of the UK and we are aware of the rules concerning that.

Thanks for your input!

[pilpiloni]

I heard not such great things about Dwight. Very expensive as well. One of the reasons my colleague likes UNIS is that the student body is very international and more down to earth than the other privates in Manhattan.

Is it in east Harlem? I have another colleague whose kids go to Manhattan Country which is quite high up in the east 90s (and she lives in Harlem). I know she's really happy there - she never said anything about the school being in a dodgy area.

[Want2bSupermum]

Having looked at the private schools in Manhattan we really liked Dalton and Spence (all girls so not an option for OP) for our daughter. Dwight is a good school and you get a range of students from those who are very spoilt rich kids through to old school hidden money.

Some of the catholic schools are excellent but I don't think they offer IB programs. I would most definitely ask though. The fees at catholic schools are super cheap at $12k a year. It allows them to be very picky at who they accept and opens up applications to many more. They also have a more well thought out diversity program so you get a good mix. If you look at some of the technical high schools in Manhattan they are predominantly made up of Indian and Chinese children because entry is based on ability and these kids are coached within an inch of their lives.

[Meoowster]

Does UNIS have a variety of sports, and do any or most of the kids go onto good universities abroad? Dwight had an impressive website and brochure video, as to where UNIS's website is pretty basic, so its hard to tell. Also is UNIS in a safe area, the building does not look too impressive but its what it offers the kids both academically as well as socially that's important.
My DS is pretty smart (not sure if he can top the SAT scores at Stuyvesant High School, though he's never done the SAT) I just assumed (from what I've found on the web) they only took kids at the technical schools from junior high and not after?
LOL Want2bSupermum ! :)

[pilpiloni]

I don't think Dwight is considered in the same league as Spence and Dalton.

Probably the best thing to do is go see the schools! I think UNIS is not a rich school compared to the others. They also give UN families priority - as it's the UN school - so it's not as selective as other schools. It's one of the most affordable non religious schools in Manhattan though so I guess it's what you're other.

I know my colleagues daughter plays sports in a team there and she's always talk

[pilpiloni]

Weird, posted too soon!
She's always taking her to matches against other schools!!

You can probably see the unis students go to on the websites. But the best thing to do is visit and see if the vibe is right for your son

[pilpiloni]

And speak to the NYC dept of education to see if your son can get into any of the specialized high schools at this stage. They'll tell you what the situation is