We encourage all parents/guardians to get involved with New York City public schools. Families are our closest partners in helping our 1.1 million students to thrive. Here are some ways you can connect with your child’s school.
2023 Community and Citywide Education Council Elections
This year, we are holding elections for all NYC Community and Citywide Education Councils! There are 32 Community Education Councils, one for each NYC community school district, and 4 citywide councils. Parents across the city have an opportunity to help shape policies and priorities for NYC schools by running for a council seat and by voting for their representatives on a council.
You can still make a big impact by voting! Voting opens on April 21 and closes on May 9. Please review the voting FAQs and don’t forget to vote!
Update Your Contact Information
Make sure your emergency contact information is complete and up-to-date so your child’s school can reach out to you. Speak with your child's school’s main office to verify and/or update your home address, cell phone number, email, etc. Use Find a School to locate your child's school contacts.
Financial Data and Reports
View the Financial Data and Reports page.
Speak to Your Parent Coordinator
Parent coordinators are available to help you! Get to know the parent coordinator at your child’s school, and get in touch for guidance and information about school programs, resources, trainings, events, and ways to get involved. Use Find a School to locate your child's school contacts, including the parent coordinator.
Participate in School Events, Meetings, and Decisions
Schools hold various events throughout the school year that provide opportunities to connect with your child’s school community. For example, you could attend family workshops, informational sessions, and events to showcase student classwork. There is a way for you to participate regardless of what your schedule is. Speak with your parent coordinator about upcoming events and activities. Use Find a School to locate the parent coordinator at your child's school.
Attend Parent Teacher Conferences
Schools host parent teacher conferences four times a year and it is important for families to attend. This is your chance to meet with teachers and ask questions about your child’s progress. It can be helpful to write down questions ahead of time. Here are some examples:
- What does my child do well, and what does my child struggle with?
- How do you challenge my child?
- How do you support a child who needs extra help?
- What books would you recommend my child read at home?
- How does my child get along with classmates and adults?
- How many days of school has my child missed or been tardy?
Learn more about Parent Teacher conferences.
Get Active with your School PA/PTA
Parents/guardians can make a positive difference in their child’s education and school community by actively participating in the Parent Association (PA) or Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). All parents/guardians are automatically members of the school PA/PTA! Through PA/PTAs, you can network, exchange ideas, work together to solve school concerns, and affect school policy and budget decisions.
Ask your parent coordinator about your school’s next scheduled PA/PTA meeting and reach out to other parents to learn more about how you can help your child’s school.
Learn more on the PA/PTA page.
Run for Parent Leadership Positions
Parents can serve their school communities as elected parent leaders at the local, district, and citywide levels. PA/PTAs, School Leadership Teams, Citywide and Community Education Councils (CCEC/CECs), and Presidents’ Councils have elected positions.
Join a School Wellness Council
Schools need diverse parent voices in order to understand what the school community needs and to decide what programs and policies will help keep their community healthy. Join a School Wellness Council:
- Ask your parent coordinator if your school already has a wellness council. If so, contact the council leader to find out how to get involved.
- If your school does not have a wellness council, speak to your principal or the parent coordinator and let them know you are interested in starting one.
- Email wellnesscouncil@schools.nyc.gov for help. Staff from the DOE Office of School Wellness Programs can reach out to your school to help them start a council and apply for a grant.
Adult Education (Ages 21+)
If you are 21 years old or older, New York City is home to hundreds of tuition-free Adult Education classes across all five boroughs. Choose from more than 800 courses, and day, night or weekend classes. For more information on how to enroll, visit the Adult Education page.