The Pre-K application for the 2022-2023 school year is now open. Apply on MySchools by March 18, 2022.
Pre-K programs help children get a strong start in school and life. Your child can learn to problem-solve, ask questions, and explore the world around them in a safe, nurturing learning community.
- Apply to pre-K for the 2023-2024 school year by March 10, 2023.
- In New York City, children begin pre-K in the calendar year they turn four.
- Pre-K programs offer Full day, Extended Day and Year and Head Start seat types, each with their own eligibility requirements. Learn more.
- Pre-K programs are offered throughout the five boroughs in three settings. Each setting offers a consistent DOE high-quality, play-based curriculum. Settings might be:
- select public elementary schools,
- Pre-K centers run by NYCDOE staff, and
- community-based organizations called NYC Early Education Centers (NYCEECs).
Who is eligible
All NYC families with children born in 2018 can enroll for the 2023-2024 school year.
Children with disabilities or who are learning English can attend pre-K for all.
Children do not need to be toilet trained to attend pre-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 Pre-K offer. For translated copies of the checklist, view the Documents section of the Pre-K for All enrollment page.
How to apply
Apply for Pre-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 pre-K programs with an extended day and year, including Head Start. Eligibility is based on income and needs.
You can also find half-day pre-K programs and charter school pre-K program in MySchools.
How to get help
- Visit the NYC DOE Pre-K website to learn more about the pre-K admissions process.
- Email Pre-K admissions at ESEnrollment@schools.nyc.gov if you have questions about getting into pre-K.
Other Education Programs
We Speak NYC (WSNYC)
Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA)
English conversation and learning program
Free classes with materials for you to learn about City services and improve your English.
3-K
NYC Department of Education (DOE)
Early education for three-year-olds
Free, full-day and high-quality education for New York City three-year-olds.
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 February 9, 2023