pick best high school for collage admission

choices: 1-LaGuardia (vocal program) 2 hours bus ride - Will not pursue vocal in collage if no opportunities will arrise during HS but don’t want to miss an opportunity
choice 2 New Dorp Math and Science Program 30 minutes bus rider (not so much into sciences 99% in math but best program in that school)
Choice 3 Local Tottenville HS honors program 10 Minutes bus ride (easy program- not so special
Advise?

I have to say that I would not pick a high school based on hypothetical chances for college. I would be looking at what courses were offered, ECs, and also convenience!

My DD went to HS 37 minutes from home. It was a major hassle because it wasn’t just about the school day, but all the ECs, sporting events, and the social life. I was driving back and forth to her school constantly, even though there was a bus. Sometimes it meant not getting home until midnight. It cut into our family time, her time to do HW, and sleep.

What is missing from your local HS honors program?

Honestly there is absolutely no way I would put my high school child in a situation where he/she would need to commute 2 hours each way. My kids would hate that as a daily commute no matter how good the school is.

For the 30 minute commute why have your child do a program that doesn’t have much interest in even if it is a good program. The commute time would be okay but why do a program that is of no true interest. High school isn’t about prestige if that is what your thinking about.

The high school honors program with 10 minute commute sounds great to me. While it might sound easy it probably offers what your child needs to graduate high school and get into college. Does if offer any AP/IB classes? Does it have honors below the AP level etc? Basically what is wrong with it? It would give your child more time for ecs, homework, family time etc compared to the 2 hour commute.

it will be way too easy, (my older one went to that program) AP classes are variable only as offer not part of the program. I feel like it does not prepares enough for collage. She can transfer to that program if ether one will not work out.

Where does she want to go? Kids that age, especially academically-oriented kids, are old enough to make their own decision.

I also would not have my child attend a high school that is two hours away. That is way too much time on the bus. 30 minutes on a bus seems okay to me.

We did have one child attend a high school that was about 40 minutes away by car (no bus available). One issue was that her friends tended to live near the school, and in some cases on the other side of the school. Therefore you have to account for some driving. Fortunately at the time I had a flexible work schedule and the school was on my wife’s way to work.

I went to a rather lousy high school. This did not stop me from attending a highly ranked university, and I found myself academically well prepared for university. The main issue is for the student to do well wherever they are.

LaGuardia, hands down. Academic classes are very good as are college results. That goes for kids who go on to straight academic colleges as well as those who continue in arts focused college programs.

Son went to HCHS where most of the kids had 1.5 hour (Brooklyn and Queens) to 2 hour (SI) commutes. The commute wasn’t fun, but it was worth it.

Lots of his friends from middle school and elementary school went to LaGuardia. They loved it.

Go with the one you think will provide the highest quality of life while you are enrolled in it. Where will you have the best high school experience?