Back to School Year 2025–26
On Thursday, September 4, 2025, we will welcome students back to New York City public schools for the first day of the 2025–26 school year. Over the next year, our City's children will learn and grow 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 our 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.
Get Ready This Summer
Fall 2026 admissions
It's never too early to start thinking ahead. If your child will apply this year to:
- 3-K
- Pre-K
- Kindergarten
- Gifted and Talented (G&T) programs
- Middle school
- High school
- Summer Rising
The application processes will open throughout the school year. See this year's admissions timeline.
Sign up for admissions emails
New to the United States?
NYCPS is here to support all City families and students, regardless of immigration status—you can learn more about our policies and find information about available supports and additional resources.
See Project Open Arms
Have Questions? We Have Answers!
Did you know that NYC public schools provide FREE and nutritious breakfast and lunch to all students?
How is your child getting to school this year?
Traveling to school by foot, bicycle, car, or public transportation? Find the best route to your child's school with tools like:
Get subway and bus maps, the latest updates on route status, and plan your trip on public transportation (including commute time!) at MTA.info or using the MTA's official apps for iOS and Android.
Has your child been assigned to yellow bus service? Use your NYC Schools Account to access the official NYC School Bus App and track their routes and locations as they travel to and from school.
Did you know that parents/guardians of a student in temporary housing or foster care in 3-K through grade 12 who do not receive busing can receive a Parent Metrocard from their child's school to transport their child to and from school? To request a Parent Metrocard, contact your child's school.
Transportation Guide for Families
What happens if your child is absent from school?
A child who does not attend must be marked absent, even if the absence is excused. Schools can excuse absences when a student is absent from school for religious, medical, or emergency reasons, but excused absences are a legal part of the student's record. Help your child attend school regularly.
Learn about attendance policy
Ask your parent coordinator!
Every school has a dedicated parent coordinator available to help families with questions about school policies, forms and processes, available services and resources, and more! Use Find a School or call your child's school to find contact information for your parent coordinator and other school staff members.
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, including your rights concerning student privacy when it comes to your child's personal information.
Your child is entitled to a free public education in the school district where you live, regardless of your or your children's immigration status (e.g., whether your family members are citizens, immigrants, or undocumented) and the language that you or your children speak. You have the right to enroll your children in school without being asked to provide information or paperwork which may reveal your or your children's immigration status. Visit Bill of Rights for Parents of English Language/Multilingual Learners to learn more.
NYC public schools speak your language! Get help with important documents or in communicating with your child's school or NYCPS offices in languages other than English. Official documents are translated into 12 languages.
- Spanish
- Chinese
- Bangla
- Russian
- Urdu
- Arabic
- Haitian Creole
- Korean
- French
Translation and interpretation services are also available in additional languages, including American Sign Language.
Digital Learning and Technology Help
These resources can help you prepare for future remote learning days if school buildings must close due to weather or other emergencies. Ensure that you are ready at home with an internet-connected device and designated workspace.
Be ready for remote learning
Find information about digital learning devices, applications and platforms, NYCPS Student Accounts, and more.
Having technology trouble?
Get help with NYCPS school accounts, software, and devices.
Get Involved
Parent or Parent Teacher Association
As a parent or legal guardian of a NYC public 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 many 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 huge difference for the students and families in your school community.
School Leadership Team
Your school's School Leadership Team works together with school leadership to develop educational policies and the Comprehensive Education Plan for your child's school.
Run for your school's School Leadership Team
CCEC
Get involved with your local Community and Citywide Education Council (CCEC). We encourage you to attend CCEC meetings to engage with educational issues in your district, share your insights, and make your voice heard!
Engage with your CCEC
NYC Schools Account
Stay connected with your child's progress by regularly checking NYCSA and the learning platforms used by your school to review their attendance and academic performance.
Check NYCSA
Parent-Teacher Conferences
The first school conferences of the 2025–26 school year will begin the week of September 15! Get more information on what to expect and suggestions on how to prepare and make the most of this opportunity to connect with your child's teacher(s).
Get ready for parent-teacher conferences
Connect with us!
Remember to bookmark our website, including The Morning Bell blog and our NYCPS + You newsletter.