One of the most frequently asked questions I hear as a real estate agent is, "What are the schools like in this neighborhood?" Unfortunately, antidiscrimination legislation prevents me from addressing these concerns. Here's why: My pontifications on the subject might be misconstrued as "steering" for which I could lose my license (yikes!). Steering is an unlawful practice and includes any words or actions by a real estate sales representative or broker that are intended to influence the choice of a prospective buyer or tenant. Steering violates federal fair housing provisions that proscribe discrimination in the sale or rental of housing. For example, it is thought that if I were to say Apt X is in School District 9 one could suspect that I was pushing the potential buyer to purchase that particular unit. Whether this zoning is indeed a fact that I am merely sharing does not seem to be considered so objectively by the law of the land. This tiny infraction could easily land me handcuffed on the front page of "The Post." Consequently, I always exercise restraint.
It's an odd conundrum to be put in a position where I am not legally able to help my customer-- it belies my "can do" attitude and leaves both my customer and I with lingering frustration. As a compromise, I find it best to have customers do their own "steering" to two amazingly helpful websites I've discovered and happily share here:
InsideSchools.org is a goldmine of information for parents and caregivers researching NYC public schools. Easy to navigate, free and chock full of really useful info from the basics of enrollment, district map, special education, gifted and talented programs and charter schools. There is even a forum where one can pose questions to like-minded parents and caregivers who are ready to share their experiences and thoughts. This well respected site is an oasis of calm and reason in the midst of what could be an overwhelming undertaking!
ParentsLeague.org Gives the inside scoop on Independent (Private) Schools in the City as well as prestigious boarding schools throughout the county. A $199 annual membership includes admissions advice from preschool to college. A calender of events is full of panel discussions and group workshops on topics ranging from financial aid to parents and college application process. There's even a referral service for tutors and a summer camp seminar! Finding the right school for your child is the optimum goal of Parents' League and, with some in town tuitions rising up to the $40,000 range, one wants to do everything possible to assure that the final decision is the right choice.
Laurence P. Mitchell
