Elementary Schools

Elementary School Admissions

Welcome to Elementary School Admissions!
Elementary school is an exciting time in the life of a New York City public school student. With more than 575 elementary schools and 140 K-8th grade schools in the five boroughs, New York City has more elementary schools than any other school district in the country. 

Kindergarten Quick Facts

  • Kindergarten is a major step in helping young children transition from home to the school environment. Through creative play, social interaction and academic lessons, children learn basic academic and social skills.
  • To find your zoned elementary school, visit our School & Zone Finder page or call 311.
  • For more information about schools you are interested in for your child, please contact the schools directly.

In order to attend a New York City public school kindergarten, the child must turn five years old by December 31 of the year he or she will enroll.

Kindergarten Admissions for 2010-11 School Year

The Kindergarten Application period for the 2010-11 school year begins Monday, February 1, 2010 at elementary schools throughout the city.  Families should go directly to their zoned school and any other school for which they are eligible to apply for Kindergarten.  Parents/guardians should bring proof of address (two documents) and proof of birth date for their child when they visit a school to apply.  They do not have to bring their children with them.

Key Dates

February 1 – March 12: Families must complete application (intake) materials at school(s)
March 22: Schools notify families regarding assignment offer
April 12 – April 23: Kindergarten pre-registration period


Eligibility

Children who were born January 1, 2005 – December 31, 2005 who are residents of New York City are eligible to apply and attend a New York City public school Kindergarten program in the 2010 – 2011 school year.

All students must apply to attend K
indergarten at a New York City Public School in September 2010.  Families should go directly to their zoned school and/or schools for which they are eligible to apply.  This includes:

·         Zoned students
·         Students with disabilities
·         Students with siblings already enrolled in a public school
·         Non-zoned students
·         Students currently attending a pre-Kindergarten program

Applications only will be available at schools. 

Priorities for Zoned Schools

1.     Zoned students with verified siblings who will be enrolled in grades K-5 in the school as of September 2010
2.     Zoned students without siblings applying to their zoned school
3.     Non-zoned students with verified siblings, who will be enrolled in grades K-5 in the school as of September 2010:
    a.     Within District first, and then
    b.     Out of District
4.     Non-zoned students without siblings:
    a.     Within District first, and then
    b.     Out of District

Priorities for Non-Zoned Schools

1.     Eligible students with verified siblings who will be enrolled in grades K-5 in the school as of September 2010
2.     Other eligible students without siblings


Elementary School Registration
In order to enroll a child in a public elementary school, the family must register the child in person at the school site. During the registration process, families must show two (2) documents for proof of residence and one (1) document to confirm the child’s date of birth. Please see our Required Documents List  for additional information.

Gifted & Talented Admissions
For information about eligibility and admission to Gifted and Talented programs for elementary school students, please visit the Gifted and Talented page.

New to NYC Public Schools

If you are new to the New York City public school system for the current 2009 -2010 school year and you need to register your child for elementary school, please visit our New Students page .

Special Education Services
A key goal of the New York City Department of Education is the achievement of high levels of performance for all students, including those with disabilities. Elementary schools offer an array of special education supports and services to support students with disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate so that they may be educated alongside their non-disabled peers. These supports provide access to the general education curriculum in order to more closely address students’ needs in an elementary school environment. To view more information, please visit the Special Education page.

Calendar and Events
Visit our Calendar and Events page to find out more about upcoming elementary school enrollment events and deadlines.

Contact Information
If you'd like to get e-mail updates about enrollment events and admissions processes, click here.
Email: ES_Enrollment@schools.nyc.gov  
Phone: 212-374-4948
If you have borough-specific questions about student enrollment, please contact your local Borough Enrollment Office.