Enroll Grade by Grade

Happening Now

  • The kindergarten application is currently open and the deadline has been extended to January 21.
  • The middle school application is currently open, and the deadline to apply is March 1.

Happening Next

  • The high school application and registration for LaGuardia High School auditions will open during the week of January 24, and the deadline to apply is March 1.
  • Have a child entering 3-K, or pre-K in fall 2022? Set up your MySchools account today: With MySchools, you can explore your child's school options, apply during application periods, and get offer information for next year—all in one place. 

New to NYC and need a school now? Visit our New Students page to learn what to do.

How to Apply: Grade by Grade

Click or tap on the links below to learn more about each admissions process.

  • EarlyLearn

    Learn about eligibility for EarlyLearn. These programs provide free or low-cost child care and education for children from 6 weeks to 2 years old. If you qualify, your child can begin a program any time during the year.

  • Head Start

    For qualifying families: Head Start provides safe, positive learning environments for children ages 3-4 to learn, to play, and get ready for kindergarten and beyond. Early Head Start provides child care for children 0-2 years old. Contact programs directly to apply.

  • 3-K

    Apply to free, full-day 3-K programs the year your child turns 3.

  • Pre-K

    Apply to pre-K programs the year your child turns 4. There is a pre-K seat for every 4-year-old NYC resident.

  • Kindergarten

    Your child will enter kindergarten in the calendar year they turn 5. Apply even if your child is a current pre-K student.

  • Middle School

    Apply during your child’s 5th grade year (or 6th grade for students in K-6 schools).

  • High School

    Apply during your child's 8th or (first-time) 9th grade year.

  • Specialized High Schools

    During your child's 8th or (first-time) 9th grade year, register to audition and/or test to apply to the Specialized High Schools.

  • Diversity in Admissions

    Schools across New York City were invited to participate in a pilot initiative to increase diversity within their schools. Learn about the participating schools and initiatives for each grade level.

  • How Students Get Offers to DOE Public Schools

    Learn about the factors that match students with NYC public schools, including how randomly assigned numbers are used in admissions.

2022 NYC Public Schools Admissions Guide

View or download the new 2022 NYC Public Schools Admissions Guide in your language! 

  • This book provides an overview of admissions processes and resources for EarlyLearn (childcare for eligible families), 3-K, pre-K, kindergarten, middle school, and high school, including a section on how to use MySchools.
  • Print copies are now available in 10 languages at schools, early childhood programs, libraries, and other sites.