Learn About Enrollment

Infant and Toddler

Infant and Toddler programming is free or low-cost child care and education for children from six weeks through two years old. If you qualify, your child can begin a program any time during the year.

Learn more about Infant and Toddler

Head Start

Head Start programs offer safe, positive learning environments for children ages three through four to learn, play and build skills. If you qualify, your child can begin a program any time during the year.

Learn more about Head Start

3-K

Apply to free, full-day 3-K programs the year your child turns three. In-district families have priority to attend 3-K in their district, but all NYC families are welcome to apply.

Learn more about 3-K

Pre-K

Apply to pre-K programs the year your child turns four, even if they are already a 3-K student. All four-year-old NYC residents who apply are guaranteed a pre-K offer.

Learn more about pre-K

Kindergarten

Your child will start kindergarten in the calendar year they turn five. Apply even if your child is a current pre-K student. Need an elementary school now? Contact a Family Welcome Center.

Learn more about kindergarten

Gifted & Talented

Gifted & Talented (G&T) programs are one way that New York City meets the needs of exceptional students. Eligible children entering Kindergarten (in the calendar year they turn 5), grade 1-4 can participate in G&T admissions. 

Learn more about Gifted & Talented

Middle School

Apply to middle school during the fall of your child’s fifth grade year (or sixth grade year for students in K-6 schools). Need a middle school now? Contact a Family Welcome Center.

Learn more about middle school

High School

Apply to high school during the fall of your child's eighth or (first-time) ninth grade year. In the spring, they will get a high school offer, as well as information about any programs where they've been waitlisted. Need a middle school now? Contact a Family Welcome Center.

Learn more about high school

Specialized High Schools

Watch the following animation to learn how students get offers to screened high schools and the specialized high schools. Screened schools make offers based on students' academic records, test scores, and/or other factors like auditions, interviews, or portfolios.

Learn more about the specialized high schools

Update: Since the making of this animation, we've made some changes to improve the high school admissions process. There is now only one round of high school admissions. Learn about high school waitlists here.