In New York City, we’ve tripled the number of children in free, full-day, high-quality pre-K, growing to approximately 70,000 students. Now, we’re doing even more.
3-K for All brings free, full-day, high-quality education to 3-year-olds in New York City. 3-K programs lay a critical foundation for children to grow, learn, and explore the world around them.
3-K Districts
We have begun the path to 3-K for All in School Districts 7 (South Bronx) and 23 (Brownsville). Our goal is to partner with state and federal leadership to bring 3-K to every community school district in New York City.
Starting in fall 2018, the school districts that will be offering 3-K for All are:
- In 2018-19: District 4 (East Harlem), District 5 (Harlem), District 16 (Bedford -Stuyvesant), and District 27 (Broad Channel, Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Rockaways)
- In 2019-20: District 6 (Washington Heights and Inwood), District 9 (Grand Concourse, Highbridge, Morrisania), District 19 (East New York), and District 31 (Staten Island)
- In 2020-21: District 12 (Central Bronx) and District 29 (Southeast Queens)
Benefits of 3-K for All
Free, full-day, high-quality 3-K for All programs provide a unique opportunity for learning that will prepare your child for future success in school and in life. 85 percent of brain growth in children occurs by the age of five. Participating in 3-K for All and Pre-K for All programs provides your child with experiences that lay an important foundation for future learning. Research shows that 2 years of high-quality preschool provides children with stronger math, reading, language and social-emotional skills going into elementary school.
3-K for All classrooms are full of inquiry, discovery, learning and joy. Teaching staff support and encourage your child to explore the classroom, learn daily classroom routines and express feelings and ideas in a safe environment. 3-K for All children are active learners who develop language and knowledge of the world through positive interactions with adults and each other, and through hands-on learning and play. Your child will have daily opportunities to build on his or her current knowledge by engaging with materials and concepts in learning centers such as blocks/construction, science/discovery, art and dramatic play. Our programs welcome the opportunity to partner with you and your family to ensure that your child has a successful year in 3-K.
Interested in 3-K for All?
Families interested in learning more about 3-K for All may visit
nyc.gov/3K or call 311 for more information.