On Thursday, September 4, 2025, we will welcome students back to New York City public schools for the first day of the 2025–26 school year. Over the next year, our City’s children will learn and grow together, academically and socially. This is an important journey, and we want to make sure students and families have the tools they’ll need for a strong start and continued success this school year.
On this page, you will find important information and updates about our academic policies, health and safety protocols, support services for students and families, and more.
Check out our Back to School Checklist for helpful tips on preparing your child for a great start to the new year!
And remember to bookmark our website, including The Morning Bell blog and our NYCPS + You newsletter—and follow @nycschools on X/Twitter(Open external link), Instagram(Open external link), and Facebook(Open external link)—to stay up to date on the latest news and exciting things happening in our schools.
Get Ready This Summer
Contact
- Log in to your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA)(Open external link) to make sure your contact information is up to date, record your language preferences, and fill out important forms online! Don’t have an account? Learn more about NYCSA, including how to create an account following the steps in the NYCSA Set Up Guide.
- Find contact information for your child’s school using Find a School.
Health
- Fill out important health forms. Does your child need medication or treatments provided during the school day? Learn more about health services in schools.
- Make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations.
- Follow tips for staying healthy during the school year.
Calendar
- Download a printable copy of the 2025–26 school year calendar, available in multiple languages.
Fall 2026 admissions
It’s never too early to start thinking ahead. If your child will apply this year to:
- 3-K
- Pre-K
- Kindergarten
- Gifted and Talented (G&T) programs
- Middle school
- High school
- Summer Rising
The application processes will open throughout the school year. See this year’s admissions timeline.Sign up for admissions emails
New to NYC Public Schools?
Need to know how to enroll your child?Enroll as a new student Get enrollment help
New to the United States?
NYCPS is here to support all City families and students, regardless of immigration status—you can learn more about our policies and find information about available supports and additional resources.See Project Open Arms
Have Questions? We Have Answers!
What special education supports may be available for my child?
Visit Special Education to learn about the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, special education services and supports, specialized programs, and more.
Did you know that NYC public schools provide FREE and nutritious breakfast and lunch to all students?
Halal and Kosher meals are available on request!See our monthly menus
Is your child a multilingual learner?
Multilingual Learners is where you will find information about supports, programs, and resources for multilingual learners(Open external link), including English language learners.
How is your child getting to school this year?
TransportationMap appsPublic transportYellow bus serviceParent Metrocards
Get information on school transportation, including student eligibility for school bus service or free student OMNY cards for MTA subways and buses.Transportation Guide for Families
Get detailed information about the different types of school transportation available and about your rights.Transportation Overview
What happens if your child is absent from school?
A child who does not attend must be marked absent, even if the absence is excused. Schools can excuse absences when a student is absent from school for religious, medical, or emergency reasons, but excused absences are a legal part of the student’s record. Help your child attend school regularly.Learn about attendance policy
Ask your parent coordinator!
Every school has a dedicated parent coordinator available to help families with questions about school policies, forms and processes, available services and resources, and more! Use Find a School(Open external link) or call your child’s school to find contact information for your parent coordinator and other school staff members.
Know Your Rights
NYCPS policiesPersonal informationMultilingual learnersLanguage services
Learn more about the NYCPS policies that govern our school environments and support safe schools, including our policies for attendance, digital citizenship, dress code guidelines, Respect for All, and behavioral expectations (Discipline Code).
Review your school’s updated policies regarding cell phone use during the school day. Starting this school year, all NYCPS students will be required to store their personal internet-enabled electronic devices—including cell phones—throughout the entirety of the school day. Each school will have its own policies (including any exceptions that may apply), so make sure you and your child understand your school’s rules.
Digital Learning and Technology Help
These resources can help you prepare for future remote learning days if school buildings must close due to weather or other emergencies. Ensure that you are ready at home with an internet-connected device and designated workspace.
Be ready for remote learning
Find information about digital learning devices, applications and platforms, NYCPS Student Accounts, and more.
Get details on digital learning
Having technology trouble?
Get help with NYCPS school accounts, software, and devices.
Outside the Classroom
Afterschool
Want to know more about afterschool programs available near you? Local schools partner with community-based organizations to provide afterschool care on-site and nearby. Contact your child’s school for information about specific programs available at your location.
Visit After-School at the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development(Open external link) to learn more about free afterschool programs offered by the City.
Working papers
Will your child have a part-time job during the school year? Per New York State law, all students between the ages of 14 and 17 must get working papers (or employment certification) to work.
Get Involved
Parent or Parent Teacher Association
As a parent or legal guardian of a NYC public school student, you are automatically a member of your local Parent or Parent Teacher Association (PA/PTA). PA/PTAs advocate for students and families, serve as important messengers to the school community, and plan and run activities for families. PA/PTAs support schools in many ways, such as hosting parent and family workshops and activities, raising funds, and running volunteer events. As an active PA/PTA member you can make a huge difference for the students and families in your school community.
School Leadership Team
Your school’s School Leadership Team works together with school leadership to develop educational policies and the Comprehensive Education Plan for your child’s school.Run for your school’s School Leadership Team
CCEC
Get involved with your local Community and Citywide Education Council (CCEC). We encourage you to attend CCEC meetings to engage with educational issues in your district, share your insights, and make your voice heard!Engage with your CCEC
NYC Schools Account
Stay connected with your child’s progress by regularly checking NYCSA and the learning platforms used by your school to review their attendance and academic performance.Check NYCSA
Parent-Teacher Conferences
The first school conferences of the 2025–26 school year will begin the week of September 15! Get more information on what to expect and suggestions on how to prepare and make the most of this opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher(s).Get ready for parent-teacher conferences
