NYC parents would not enroll kids in public schools if kindergarten G&T program ends: survey

NYC parents would not enroll kids in public schools if kindergarten G&T program ends: survey

Briefly

"Nearly half of NYC parents said they will not enroll their children in NYC public schools if the city eliminates the kindergarten gifted and talented (G&T) program, according to a pro-accelerated education survey released on Monday. Parent Leaders for Accelerated Curriculum and Education (PLACE NYC) surveyed 521 parents from the five boroughs to find out how they feel about a possible end to the high-achieving program."

"Opposition within the survey increased to 73% among incoming parents who would be applying to NYC Public Schools in the next four years, likely because these families would be directly impacted by a mayoral decision. The survey asked parents how they would respond if the city were to end kindergarten entry into G&T classes; nearly half of the respondents said they would not enroll their kids in the public school system at all."

"Two-thirds of the surveyed parents support expanding G&T in NYC, while a solid 26% said they do not. When asked which grades they wanted to see an opportunity for entry, kindergarten was highest with 64%, followed by third grade 60%, first grade 49%, and second grade 46%. Debbie Kross, co-recording secretary of PLACE NYC, said school is a priority for parents in NYC. Raising children in the city has its own set of challenges, and school is on top of that list, she said."