WNYC's SchoolBook.org introduces tools to help NYC parents navigate public school admissions process

 (New York, NY – October 6, 2014) – Starting today, SchoolBook.org, WNYC’s award-winning site devoted to helping families navigate the New York City public school system, is unveiling a new-and-improved website that will offer the most comprehensive set of tools available to help New York City parents navigate the school application process.

 As part of the re-launch, SchoolBook.org is introducing a superior, consumer-friendly, multi-lingual search tool that will allow families to filter, compare, and research schools based on home address, specializations, school code number, eligibility and school performance, making the New York City Department of Education’s data public and accessible to potentially millions of New Yorkers. For the first time, the search tool is available in Spanish and Chinese, in addition to English. The search tool is available at SchoolBook.org.

 In addition, last week SchoolBook.org  launched a weekly email service that will provide middle school parents with step by step guidance through the multi-part application process. Emails to support parents through the high school application process will launch next semester.  The weekly email program is in English and Spanish.  Sign-up for the weekly email service is available here: signup.schoolbook.org.

This comprehensive toolkit for NYC public school parents is produced through a unique public / commercial media partnership between WNYC, WNBC, Telemundo 47 and the New York Daily News. Through collaborative editorial and marketing efforts, the project seeks to reach as many New York City public school families as possible.

 “New York City has the most extensive school choice system in the country, but it’s also the most complex and puzzling for families,” said Jim Schachter, Vice President for News, WNYC. “Our unprecedented, multilingual partnership with WNBC, Telemundo 47 and the Daily News on SchoolBook – joining public and commercial media across radio, TV and print – is designed to equip parents with the very best tools to help them make informed choices for their children.”

 “This partnership with WNYC, Telemundo 47 and the Daily News allows us to reach a broad audience and deliver important information to parents trying to make the big decision of where to send their child to school," says Susan Sullivan, VP News, WNBC.   "As New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the country, we are especially pleased that our Schoolbook project is available in English, Spanish and Chinese.”

“Navigating the New York Public School system’s application procedures don’t have to be difficult for parents and families who prefer to engage in the process in Spanish,” said Marisol Seda, Assistant News Director, Telemundo 47. “We are thrilled to partner with WNYC, Daily News and our sister-station, WNBC  to help elevate awareness about the re-launch of SchoolBook.org among the Spanish-language communities we serve.”

"Navigating the city's 1,800 public schools is a daunting prospect for any family,” said Ben Chapman, education reporter for the New York Daily News. “SchoolBook's new toolkit makes the process a lot easier. As part of the team at the Daily News, I'm proud to be a part of this new partnership in public service."

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