Schools

Do his kids speak German and/or French?

The German School New York is indeed in Westchester and is set up in such a way that it is like a German public school plopped down in NY. It is often used by employees who are sent here to work in 2-4 year stints, so their kids can receive the same education they would at home, making the frequent transitions easier. There are generally a couple kids that live in the city that do the reverse commute, as well as a few of the teachers. I don't know of any that commute from Brooklyn, though, which could make carpooling difficult. There is in fact a Deutsche Schule Zurich that is part of the same system.

If the kids speak French there is always Lycee Francais De New York. Similarly to the GSNY, all classes are taught in the "native" language. It is also extremely rigorous academically. You can expect a Lot of homework with the two above mentioned schools.

A different route entirely but still familiar is the fact that there is a start-up Waldorf School. I believe it is currently located at or near Hanson pl. in Fort Greene. I don't know what their highest class is at the moment, but I know a number of the people involved there and they are not only highly motivated but also quite experienced. Due to the connection to Europe, the Waldorf school there would probably be more than understanding of helping the kids adjust, as well as having people on the premise who speak German. There is also, of course, the Waldorf school in NYC that does have kids commuting from Brooklyn as well.

My last suggestion would be The Brooklyn Friends School. Because who can go wrong with the Quakers? The location is good and the school has a great reputation as providing an enriching academic environment.

Whichever school he chooses, the public school system will absolutely not be what he is used to expecting from the school system in Zurich. Looking towards private options would most likely be a good idea for him at least as he and his family settles here.

If I can be of any further help please feel free to private message me. There are a few of the schools that I have lots more information on.

Jeffrey, is this a public school or a private one?

Private 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Without knocking any private schools, I want to register opposition to the statement that "the private school options are better than the public schools."

My kids attended public elementary and high schools, and private middle schools, all here in Brooklyn. PS 321 and Midwood High School provided superb educational opportunities, as did St. Anne's. Berkeley Carroll was also very good, although less so than St. Anne's.

OK so having a 15 year old and having navigated the elementary, jr high and high school process (this year it starts the colleges - say a prayer for me), its really all about what the parents want out of the school.

Public school options of course would be PS 8 in Brooklyn Heights, PS 321 in Park Slope and PS 29 in Carroll Gardens.

This is a great resource for public schools:

http://insideschools.org/

and

http://www.greatschools.org/new-york/new-york-city/

There is also the NEST+m school in the Lower East Side which is the city's gifted and talented school. My son is presently in their High School and it goes from K-12th grade and you must take a test to get in

http://nestmk12.net/

Unfortunately there is not a great selection of junior high options in public school so that is something to consider.

I am not a big fan of charter schools and really do not know much about any of the newer ones.

I personally know children who attend Brooklyn Friends and St. Anns. Really great schools and if I had to send my child to any private school it would probably be Friends. Great diversity and many children are able to attend with the assistance of financial aid that the school offers.

Good luck.