On September 5, 2024, we will welcome students back to New York City public schools for the first day of the 2024-25 school year. Over the course of the next year, our City’s children will be learning and growing 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 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, Instagram, and Facebook—to stay up-to-date on the latest news and exciting things happening in our schools.
Have Questions? We Have Answers!
- Questions about special education services, resources, and programs? Visit Special Education to learn more.
- Questions about supports, resources, and programs for multilingual learners, including English language learners? Visit Multilingual Learners to learn more.
- Did you know that NYC public schools provide free and nutritious breakfast and lunch to all students? Visit School Food to learn more and see monthly menus.
- How is your child getting to school this year? For information on school transportation, including student eligibility for bus service or free MetroCards/OMNYcards, check out the Transportation Guide for Families. For more detailed information about the different types of school transportation available and your rights, visit Transportation Overview.
- Traveling to school by foot, bicycle, car, or public transportation? You can look up information about the best route to your child’s school with tools like Google Maps, Apple Maps, Bing, or Maps.Me.
- Get subway and bus maps, the latest updates on route status, and plan your trip on public transportation (including commute time!) on the MTA website or using the MTA’s official apps for iOS and Android.
Know Your Rights
- Students and families are entitled to certain rights and services within New York City public schools. As valued members of our school communities, it’s important that you Know Your Rights.
- New York City public schools speak your language! Learn more about how to get help with important documents or in communicating with your child’s school or our offices in languages other than English—let’s say Hello!
- Help shape NYC children’s educational future. New York City’s Community and Citywide Education Councils (CECs) of elected volunteer parents help shape policies and priorities for the City’s public schools. Take the opportunity to get involved in your child’s school district and attend a local CEC meeting this fall!
Digital Learning and Technology Help
- Visit the Digital Learning page for information about digital learning devices students can request from their school common online applications and platforms, DOE Student Accounts, digital citizenship, free software and more.
- Having trouble? Get help with school accounts, software, and devices on the NYC Public Schools technology SupportHub.
Outside the Classroom
- 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, and visit the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development’s After School web page to learn more about free afterschool programs offered by the City.
- Will your student 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) in order to work.
Did You Know?
- As a parent or legal guardian of a New York City 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 numerous 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 tremendous difference for the students and families in your school community.
- The first parent-teacher conference of the 2024-25 school year will begin the week of September 9! Visit the Parent-Teacher Conferences page on our website for more information on what to expect and suggestions on how to prepare in order to make the most of this opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher(s).