“3k” stands for “three-year-old kindergarten,” which means that the school is for children who are three years old and ready to start their early education. Preschools like 3K schools focus on building basic skills in young kids and getting them ready for kindergarten and beyond. 3K programs have been found to improve children’s intellectual and social development.
1. Sign up for 3-K and/or Pre-K admissions email lists for updates about events and deadlines at schools.nyc.gov/SignUp.
2. Learn when to apply to 3-K or Pre-K at schools.nyc.gov/3k. Annual deadlines are usually in March.
3. Use MySchools.nyc to explore program options.
4. Find your school district (1-32): Enter your address at schoolsearch.schools.nyc or call 311.
5. Apply by the deadline.
**Keep in mind that students who do not attend 3-K the year they are eligible cannot attend 3-K the year the next year when they turn four.**
Beware, that there are three types of 3-K seats or centers you can apply to:
For more information on applications, read this guide. Check schools.nyc.gov/3K for the latest information on deadlines. For detailed instructions about enrollment visit enrollmentsupport.schools.nyc and type “3K enrollment support”.
4K or Pre-K programs prepare four-year-olds for kindergarten by expanding on concepts covered in 3K and introducing more complex ideas.
1. Sign up for Pre-K admissions email lists for updates about events and deadlines at schools.nyc.gov/SignUp.
2. Learn when to apply to Pre-K at schools.nyc.gov/pre-k. Annual deadlines are usually in March.
3. Use MySchools.nyc to explore program options.
4. Find your school district (1-32): Enter your address at schoolsearch.schools.nyc or call 311.
5. Apply by the deadline.
Types of pre-K seats or centers you can apply to are:
For detailed instructions about enrollment visit enrollmentsupport.schools.nyc and type “Pre-K enrollment support”.
Updated on February 15, 2024.