K-12

In the United States, students begin formal education at the age of five or six. In general, students must complete elementary and secondary school grades, after which they can choose to attend college or university.

 
Kindergarten through grade twelve (K–12) schools are separated into three levels:
 

• elementary school (grades K-5)
• middle school (grades 6-8)
• high school (grades 9–12).

 
K-12 schools are either public or private. In New York City, public schools are operated by the DOE, which has a separate application process for each K-12 level. Learn when and how to apply to each level of public school below:
 

Elementary School (grades K–5)

Children who are 5 years old are eligible to attend kindergarten and begin elementary school.

To apply:

 
1. Sign up for kindergarten and Gifted & Talented (G&T) admissions email lists at schools.nyc.gov/SignUp.
2. Learn when to apply to kindergarten at schools.nyc.gov/K. Annual deadline is usually in January.
3. Use MySchools.nyc to learn about kindergarten options.
4. Learn which community school district (1-32) you live in and if your child has a zoned school by entering your address at school search.schools.nyc or calling 311.
5. Apply by the deadline.

• Online at MySchools.nyc
• By phone at 718-935-2009.
• Through a Family Welcome Center—learn how at schools.nyc.gov/FWC

 
For more information, read this guide. Check schools.nyc.gov/K and schools.nyc.gov/GT to get the most up-to-date information on this year’s application timeline and admissions events.

Middle School (grades 6–8)

Middle school is the educational stage between an elementary school and a high school, typically for children in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. The annual application deadline is normally in December.
 
To apply:

1. Use MySchools.nyc to identify the programs your child is eligible to attend.

2. Find your child’s school district(s) and any zoned middle schools(s): Enter your address at schoolsearch.schools.nyc or call 311

3. Add up to 12 program choices to your application. Put your choices in your true order of preference, with your favorite program as #1. There is no better strategy.

4. Apply one of the following ways:

• Online at MySchools.nyc—recommended!
• Through your child’s current school counselor (for public DOE or charter school families)
• At a Family Welcome Center (for private or parochial school families)

High School (grades 9–12)

High school is the educational stage for children in the 9, 10, 11 and 12 grades and it prepares your child for college. Academic grades and coursework, extracurricular activities, internships, and volunteer work are all significant. Learn more on how to apply below.
 
To apply:

 
1. Read this guide! Check schools.nyc.gov/HS for the most up-to-date information.
2. Sign up for our high school admissions email list at schools.nyc.gov/SignUp.
3. Use MySchools.nyc to start exploring program options.
4. Discuss high school options with your family! Start building a list of favorite programs.
5. Make an appointment with your school counselor to discuss your high school options.
6. Learn when to apply to high school.
7. Add 12 programs to your application in your true order of preference.
8. Apply to high school by the deadline.

9. Complete any additional requirements, such as an audition
 
Updated on February 21, 2024