There is a Referral Center for High School Alternatives in each borough to help students find their best pathway to a diploma or the General Educational Development (GED) exam, and beyond. Guidance Counselors, Social Workers, and other Referral Center staff are present to help Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on days that schools are open. Referral Centers can help you :• Explore all possible paths to a high school diploma, or enroll in a GED program;• Learn about your rights as a NYC Department of Education student;• Understand your high school transcript;• Get referrals for childcare, social work, drug treatment and housing;• Learn about other programs that District 79 offers.
The Difference between Referral Centers and Borough Enrollment OfficesReferral Centers • Provide referrals to high school alternatives such as GED Plus , Transfer Schools, Young Adult Borough Centers (YABCs), or International Schools. • Can enroll students in GED Plus• Cannot enroll students directly in schools – Borough Enrollment Offices do that.Borough Enrollment Offices manage all enrollment functions for general and special education students including:• high school registration, • school assignment for elementary and middle school students who do not have zoned schools, • documented transfer requests, • support for admissions processes, and other enrollment functions. Click here for Borough Enrollment Office contact information. Who Should Visit or Call Referral CenterYou should contact a Referral Center if you are 21 years old or younger, live in New York City and don’t have a high school diploma, but want to continue your education and need additional support to re-connect with school.If you are over 21 and interested in GED programs, education opportunities, or English language instruction, contact the Office of Adult and Continuing Education.What to BringPlease bring a photo ID and your most recent transcript, if you have them. If you have a copy of your individualized education plan (IEP), bring that too. Students who are 17 years old will need a parent or guardian present to enroll in a new school or GED Plus. If you do not have a photo ID, ask the School Safety Agent at the entrance to call the Referral Center so that someone may accompany you to the center.Center HoursAll Referral Centers are open schooldays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Students and families are encouraged to visit on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings to hear an overview session and meet with a guidance counselor or social worker. Students who choose to pursue a GED will be asked to return on a Tuesday or Thursday to take a placement survey test. For more information