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MySchools is an online directory of NYC public schools and programs, as well as an application system for families. Create a MySchools account to explore schools, apply, join waitlists, and get your offer.

Fall 2026 Admissions Timeline*

Below are the application open, close, and offer release dates for each of the admissions processes. These dates are for students who are applying during the 2025-2026 school year for admission in the 2026-2027 school year.

*These dates are subject to change. Any changes will be announced and communicated directly to families. Sign up for updates here.

High School Admissions

  • Tuesday, October 7, 2025: High School Application, LaGuardia Application, and Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) Registration Opens
  • Friday, October 31, 2025: SHSAT Registration Closes
  • Wednesday, December 3, 2025: High School and LaGuardia Applications Close
  • Thursday, March 5, 2026: High School Offer Release

Middle School Admissions Timeline

  • Wednesday, October 15, 2025: Middle School Application Opens
  • Monday, November 3, 2025: Deadline to register to test for Mark Twain I.S. 239 (21K239) and District 21 Talent Tests
  • Friday, December 12, 2025: Middle School Application Closes
  • Wednesday, April 15, 2026: Middle School Offer Release 

Kindergarten (and Kindergarten Gifted & Talented) Admissions

  • Tuesday, December 9, 2025: Kindergarten Application Opens
  • Friday, January 23, 2026: Kindergarten Application Closes
  • Tuesday, March 31, 2026: Kindergarten Offer Release

3-K and Pre-K Admissions

  • Wednesday, January 14, 2026: 3-K and Pre-K Applications Open
  • Friday, February 27, 2026: 3-K and Pre-K Applications Close
  • Tuesday, May 12, 2026: Pre-K Offer Release
  • Tuesday, May 19, 2026: 3-K Offer Release

 Gifted & Talented (G&T) Grade 1-4 Admissions

  • Tuesday, April 21, 2026: G&T Upper Grade Application Opens
  • Friday, May 8, 2026: G&T Upper Grade Application Closes
  • Thursday, June 11, 2026: G&T Upper Grade Offer Release

Need a School for Your Child Now?

Learn what to do on the New Students page.

HOW TO APPLY: Grade by Grade

Click or tap on the links below to learn more about each admissions process.

  • Infant and Toddler

    Learn about eligibilty for Infant and Toddler programming. These programs provide free or low-cost child care and education for children from 6 weeks to 2 years old. If you qualify, your child can begin a program any time during the year.

  • Head Start

    For qualifying families: Head Start provides safe, positive learning environments for children ages 3-4 to learn, to play, and get ready for kindergarten and beyond. Early Head Start provides child care for children 0-2 years old. Contact programs directly to apply.

  • 3-K

    Apply to free, full-day 3-K programs the year your child turns 3.

  • Pre-K

    Apply to pre-K programs the year your child turns 4.

  • Kindergarten

    Your child will enter kindergarten in the calendar year they turn 5. Apply even if your child is a current pre-K student.

  • Gifted and Talented

    Eligible children entering kindergarten (in the calendar year they turn 5), grade 1, grade 2, grade 3 or grade 4 can participate in G&T admissions.

  • Middle School

    Apply during your child’s 5th grade year (or 6th grade for students in K-6 schools).

  • High School

    Apply during your child's 8th or (first-time) 9th grade year.

  • Specialized High Schools

    During your child's 8th or (first-time) 9th grade year, register to audition and/or test to apply to the Specialized High Schools.

  • How Students Get Offers to DOE Public Schools

    Learn about the factors that match students with NYC public schools, including how randomly assigned numbers are used in admissions.