Does anyone have experience transferring from Hunter High School to a private day school? I have been told that Hunter will actively obstruct a child that attempts to transfer out in the 9th grade. There is only so much they can do to impede a transfer to a specialized high school, but if it’s a matter of transferring to a private school they could withhold recommendations etc.
No,they can’t.
But they could be vindictive- write a bad recommendation when it’s unwarranted. While it’s hard to imagine a teacher would so spiteful (or even care that much), I’ve heard they can be extremely unsupportive. My kid is studying for the Hunter exam but ultimately wants to go boarding school in the 9th. The person who told me runs a tutoring agency and says she’s seen it first hand. Apparently, the principal sends out an e-mail saying anyone whose thinking about transferring should think twice because they will be leaving behind a vacant seat that could have been filled by another qualified candidate.
Since I have the attention of your expertise, I’d like to ask you a related question. We are also applying for scholarships to private day schools in NYC for the 7th grade. Is it considered in bad form to accept a scholarship for 2 years and then transfer? I don’t know anything about these things and would really appreciate your feedback. I’m wondering if we should just focus on k-9 schools, however, these are not generally as rigorous. Actually, the k-8 schools are not even in the same ballpark.
Thank You!
I think it’s not worth worrying about unless your kid is admitted. Apply to a range of schools for 7th grade and see what happens. That said, I understand why Hunter feels that way because 7th grade is the only entry point. People don’t accept a spot there with the intention of transferring. Everyone is thrilled for their kids to be attending HCHS because a) no more school applications through 12th grade, and b) it’s free.
Hi brantly
I agree HCHS is an amazing school and I do sympathize with their desire to discourage transfers. It’s also incredibly tough to get in, which is why I wanted to know if I should advise D to just drop it if her long-term goal is a boarding school. She was accepted to A Better Chance, and they have a good track record with boarding school placements.
The problem is her current school is a sinking ship. In spite of being a citywide gifted and talented, the behavioral issues are out of control. The teachers are leaving in droves. We’ve lost 50% of them since we got a new principle 3 yrs ago. For two successive years, my D had teachers quit (ELA and Math!) in the middle of the year. To top it off I’ve just been informed D will be in the ICT class next year. Not that I’m against ICT, but I don’t trust the administration to provide the support necessary to make it work. It’s a shame because D has such great friends that she’s been with since Kindergarten. Anyway, this is the reason why we’re pushing for a transfer in 7th.
Let me add it’s costing us a fortune in tutoring just to keep her academically afloat.
@Iris33 Can she go to your zoned public for middle school? Transfer to a different city-wide, or to a district G&T?
The time to transfer would have been for 6th grade. We didn’t apply to city-wides, because the few seats available go to children with IEPs. District G&T programs end in the fifth grade. The zoned school stinks. We would still have to supplement, plus there would be the major drawback of uprooting D from her friends.
I think she will continue on the current course of applying to privates through ABC and also sit for the Hunter exam.
I still would like to know if anyone has transferred from Hunter to a private in 9th grade and whether Hunter made it difficult for them.
Thank You!
Ask on Urban Baby. It’s all New Yorkers.
Would you consider junior boarding schools like Fay, Indian Mountain, North Country, etc?
brantley- I haven’t heard of Urban Baby, but will definitely check it out.
CaliMex- I will look into these schools. Thank you for the information!