Starting a New Free School in Manhattan

Hi Moms! I'm starting a new free school in Manhattan. I was inspired, because my son has been on the waiting list for the Brooklyn Free School for 2 years now and while 3rd grade was acceptable in his Manhattan public school, 4th grade kinda sucks (he's small and so the bullies could really hurt him). Also, I'm a veteran homeschooler (I have 2 grown sons who homeschooled until college), so I don't really believe in traditional schooling. Truly, I'm an unschooler and freeschooler. Here is the problem: I am very busy with my business and do not know anything about the guidelines for private schools in NY (we just moved here 1 year ago). If anyone knows what documents I need to get started, please let me know. Also, if anyone wants to join us at our new free school, give a shout!

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A.R. answers from New York on April 06, 2008

I WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU!!!

I am from here, minus the 4 years I lived in the midwest, and yeah, we are sorely missing a free school. I have a young son, almost 3, and our family is part of a collective of people supporting one another in various stages and models of unschooling, homeschooling, freeschooling, etc: www.kitchentablenyc.org.

Anyway, I'd love to meet and talk about all this one day. I know my son's need isnt as urgent as yours in building a community of kids, but I'm really into this stuff and I know others who are too, who have older kids. Let me know if you are interested in getting together or talking over email! - ____@____.com

~ Alex

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F.S. answers from New York on April 06, 2008

I know some MamaRiseup Mamas whom you may know. If you don't, give them a search. If that doesn't help, maybe I can hook you up w/someone. Also Science Teacher Sarah (again search) runs an afterschool devoted to science and is amazing. I would bet homeschoolers use her resources. She might know of how paperwork runs.

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R.B. answers from New York on April 06, 2008

Look on the Department of Educations website schools.nyc.gov to see what they require to open a charter school. Charter schools are run by you and you select the children that attend. Entrence is selected by lottery. Also try New YOrk State Education Department at nysed.gov they have everything.
Good luck with this. Good schools are hard to find.

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E.S. answers from New York on April 06, 2008

That is great that you began home-schooling -you own school.

You can get all the information from the Board of Education in Manhattan. Simply write a letter (do not call- you will not get results). Write a letter (short) stating that you want the rules and regulations about home-schooling in Manhattan. That should give you a start.

Then for any documents or more information . Attend a SCORE meeting at a Manhattan Library. These SCORE meetings or one-to-one FREE business counseling will get you started in your own business with the best advice available.

The Score members are previous business owners or retired individuals who volunteer to help others.

Check out all the licensing bureaus in your state to find out if you need any other papers. There are a million ways to get information. And one of the best ways is to check out the information that the reference librarian has to offer. They usually are up-to-date on the latest rules and regulations and if they are not , they know where to find the information. Visit other small private schools (as a consumer) and see how they are run. (Ask for some documents, information , brochures) . Checking out the competition is a good education.