Apply to
Kindergarten
FLYER 1
All New York City families with children born in 2021 can apply to kindergarten programs this school year. All children are guaranteed a kindergarten seat in a public school for Fall 2026.
List as many program choices on your application as you like, in your true preference order. If you are interested in Gifted and Talented (G&T) programs, be sure to list those programs on your application. If you list a G&T program on your kindergarten application, your child will then be evaluated for eligibility to those programs.
Current pre-k students at New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) district schools, Pre-K Centers, NYC Early Education Centers, or charter schools will be evaluated by their current pre-k teachers.
Current pre-k students at private school programs, or children who are not yet in school will be contacted by the NYCPS Division of Early Childhood Education to set up interviews.
Important Dates to remember:
- Tuesday, December 9, 2025 | Kindergarten Application Opens
- Friday, January 23, 2026 | Kindergarten Application Closes
- Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | Kindergarten Offer Release
| Admissions Checklist |
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| Explore and Learn |
| Log in to MySchools.nyc to explore your kindergarten options, including Dual Language, G&T, and District 24 STEM programs. |
| Attend one of our virtual Elementary School admissions information sessions. Information on how to join will be posted on our events page: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/ESevents |
| Attend open houses or tours! Check the MySchools event calendar (https://MySchools.nyc/calendar) for dates, times, and locations, or visit schools' websites directly for the latest event updates, resources, and contact information. |
| Apply |
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Apply to kindergarten by the deadline listed on https://schools.nyc.gov/K You can also do so in one of three ways:
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| Get Your Offer |
| Accept your child's offer by the deadline provided in their offer letter. This secures your child's kindergarten seat at their school. You can accept your offer online through https://www.MySchools.nyc or by containing the school directly. Accepting this offer will not affect your child's chances of receiving a waitlist offer later! |
| Add your child to additional waitlists (optional). If they get a waitlist offer, the school will contact you. |