3-K provides free, full-day, high-quality early childhood education for three-year-olds.
- Apply to 3-K between January 10 - March 1,2024 for the 2024-2025 school year.
- In New York City, you can apply to 3-K in the calendar year that your child turns three.
- 3-K programs are offered throughout NYC.
- Use MySchools to search for and learn about 3-K options.
- Your child has priority to attend 3-K programs in the district where you live.
- Children can enroll in Full Day, Extended Day and Year, and Head Start seat types. Learn more.
- 3-K programs are offered throughout the five boroughs in different settings. Each setting offers a consistent DOE high-quality, play-based curriculum.
Who is eligible
All New York City families with children born in 2021 can enroll for the 2024-2025 school year. This includes children with disabilities or who are learning English.
Children do not need to be toilet trained to attend 3-K.
What you need to apply
View the pre-registration checklist to learn more about the documents you need to pre-register your child and accept their 3-K offer. For translated copies of the checklist, view the Documents section of the 3-K for All enrollment page.
How to apply
Apply for 3-K in one of these ways:
- Online with MySchools. You can apply in English, Arabic, Bengali/Bangla, Chinese, Haitian Creole, French, Korean, Russian, Spanish, or Urdu.
- By phone by calling 718-935-2009. Interpretation services are available in more than 200 languages.
- In-person at a Family Welcome Center.
Eligible families can also apply for free or low-cost 3-K programs with an extended day and year, including Head Start. Eligibility is based on income and needs.
How to get help
- Visit the 3-K website to find out more information.
- Call 311 if you have questions about 3-K.
- Email 3-K admissions at [email protected] if you have questions about 3-K.
Other Education Programs
Pre-K for All (Pre-K)
NYC Department of Education (DOE)
Free Pre-K for four-year-olds
Enroll your child in a free, full-day, high-quality Pre-K program.
Kindergarten and elementary School
NYC Department of Education (DOE)
Public school: Kindergarten - 5th grade
Enroll your child in kindergarten when they are five years old. Learn about your elementary school options.
CUNY Start
The City University of New York (CUNY)
Academic support for CUNY students
CUNY students can get help meeting CUNY's proficiency standards and preparing for college-level courses.
Updated April 16, 2024