Elementary education prepares your child for success in school and life. New York City students can enter kindergarten in the calendar year they turn five.
Heads Up
All NYC children born in 2018 will receive a kindergarten placement for Fall 2023.The application is available in the winter.All elementary programs welcome and support students with disabilities, those in temporary housing, English Language Learners (ELL), and LGBTQ students.
Eligibility
All NYC children who were born in 2018 are eligible for kindergarten and are guaranteed placement.
Required Documents
You will not need to submit any documents to apply for kindergarten.After you get an offer letter, make an appointment at the school and bring these documents:
Proof of your child's age (birth certificate, passport, or record of baptism)Two proof-of-address documents (such as a lease, utility bill, or government-issued ID including IDNYC (http://nyc.gov/idnyc) )Immunization records (if available)Your child's latest report card (if available)Check the Pre-Registration Checklist (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/docs/default-source/default-document-library/pre-registration-checklist) to see what documents you can use.
How to Apply
The kindergarten application for the 2023-2024 school year is now open! If your child is born in 2018, be sure to apply by January 20, 2023 in one of three ways:
Online through MySchools (https://www.myschools.nyc/) . Watch video tutorials to learn how to create your MySchools account (https://vimeo.com/488709712) and how to apply (https://vimeo.com/516385428) .Over the phone by calling 718-935-2009 (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enrollment-help/family-welcome-centers) . Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m and 6 p.m.In-person at a Family Welcome Center (https://www.myschools.nyc/) .Students coming from kindergarten to first grade do not need to reapply for elementary school. They will be automatically enrolled in their elementary school. (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/find-a-school) Most students who need to enroll at a new school in grades 1-5 or need a placement during the year should register at their zoned school (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enrollment-help/new-students) . Learn more on the New Students page.
Online
Use MySchools (https://www.myschools.nyc/) to find programs you're interested in. You can list up to 12 choices on your application, including schools outside of your zone and district.Submit your application online through MySchools (https://www.myschools.nyc/) this winter.
Apply online
By Mail
In Person
Find a Family Welcome Center
Get Help
Visit the NYC Department of Education (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/kindergarten) website to learn more about the kindergarten application process.Call 718-935-2009 (mailto:[email protected]) or email the kindergarten Admissions team (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enrollment-help/family-welcome-centers) if you have questions about applying to kindergarten.Visit a Family Welcome Center to get help in person.
