blood or crips?

One of my main concerns about moving to NYC was the schools. I just didn't know what they were like. We have 3 in school this year and I knew private schools would be out of the question. Tuition in Manhattan runs at least $30K per year. Per child. I'm going to say that again in case it didn't sink in. THIRTY.... THOUSAND....DOLLARS per child, per year. My husband works for a non-profit (key word non) so that's not happening for us. Besides, even if I had an extra $30K per kid laying around, I really don't know if I could justify paying that much each year for school. I mean $30K times 3 kids can buy A LOT of Bobbie Brown lipstick. And Starbucks. I'm just sayin'.

So when we decided to move to NYC, I did what every good mom would do. I googled the heck out of the phrase "NYC schools." I found extensive lists of schools, articles, etc....But was pleasantly surprised that NYC has some of the best public schools in the country.

I know what some of you are thinking right now. I would never send my kids to NYC public schools because of THE GANGS. Well, after more research I found out that kids really don't have to declare a gang until their junior year, so we're good for a while.

In all seriousness, there are some really good public schools there. Some great specialty schools for the arts, sports, dance, etc... We're narrowing down our choices, but for now I think I'll stay away from this one:

High School Of Arts, Imagination And Inquiry
122 Amsterdam Avenue Manhattan, NY 10023

WHAT'S SPECIAL: Teaching artists from the Lincoln Center Institute.

DOWNSIDE: School is housed in a windowless basement.