The 2017 NYC Kindergarten Application is Now Open

The 2017 Kindergarten application opened on Wednesday Nov. 30. Here’s what you need to know.

New York City parents of children born in 2012 can start the application process for kindergarten. The deadline to apply is Jan. 13 and parents can apply in one of three ways:

  • Online at schools.nyc.gov/applyonline. There you will be able to find a directory of schools in your district and also search for your zoned school.
     
  • Over the phone by calling 718-935-2400. Parents can access translation services for over 200 languages if need be.
     
  • In person at one of the DOE’s Family Welcome Centers. You can find your local center on NYC DOE’s website.
     

You may list up to 12 schools on the application. Most children go to their zoned school but parents do have the option of applying to other schools in the district. You can apply to schools outside of your district, but note, there is less of a chance of your child getting into those. 

Families will start to receive offer letters in March. If you signed your child up to test for gifted and talented programs, that process will begin after your receive your child’s scores.

As a mom who is going through it, I have to say that the most important part of this process has been researching schools. Our zoned school is not our first choice so I have had to research and visit several other schools in our area. It’s not too late to do the same. There are a number of quality public schools in New York City, but there are also a number where students are falling below grade-level. One of the biggest resources has been the schools’ Parent Coordinator. Each school has a coordinator who answers questions from prospective parents and schedules tours and open houses. They are a great resource and there to help.

Good luck!

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