Kindergarten Admissions 2012-2013

The 2012-2013 Elementary School Directory is available online here. This new resource for families includes information about the kindergarten application process and a list of elementary school choices by district.

The directory shows each school's admissions policy and also indicates which schools have special programs (programs for English Language Learners, Magnet programs, and Gifted & Talented programs). You can use this guide to help you figure out where you would like to submit a kindergarten application.

The kindergarten admissions process is school-based, but there is a standard timeline for all schools and there are citywide guidelines for eligibility and admissions priorities. You must submit an application for kindergarten admission, even if you are applying to your zoned school. Find important dates in the kindergarten admissions process for the 2012–2013 school year on our Calendar and Events page:

January 9 – March 2, 2012: Kindergarten admissions period.
March 19 – March 23, 2012: Assignment notification period.
March 26 – April 20, 2012: Pre-registration period.

During the kindergarten admissions period, you should visit your zoned school and any other school(s) of interest for which you are eligible to fill out an application. We will post district-specific information and further details about choice options and special programs on our website in January.

When you go to apply, make sure to bring your child's birth certificate or passport, and two documents which provide proof of residence. A list of acceptable documents for this purpose can be found on our Registration Information page. All applications received by the deadline of March 2, 2012 will be treated the same—it is NOT first-come, first-served.

NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ANNOUNCES START OF KINDERGARTEN ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Families Should Apply at Schools by March 2, 2012

The New York City Department of Education today announced key dates for families of children who will begin kindergarten in September 2012. Families should apply in person between January 9 and March 2 at their zoned school. Families may also apply to other schools which their children are eligible to attend. Schools will notify families about assignment offers beginning on March 19. To accept an offer, families must visit the school that made the offer with their children between March 26 and April 20 to pre-register.

Children are eligible to start kindergarten in September 2012 if they were born in 2007, and are residents of New York City. Families must show the following documentation when they apply to a school:

• Proof of residence. This consists of any two of the following documents:

o A residential utility bill (gas or electric) in the resident's name and dated within the last 60 days;

o Documentation or letter on letterhead from a federal, state, or local government agency indicating the resident's name and address and dated within the last 60 days;

o An original lease agreement, deed, or mortgage statement for the residence;

o A current property tax bill for the residence;

o A water bill for the residence dated within the last 60 days;

o Official payroll documentation from an employer dated within the last 60 days, such as a form submitted for tax withholding purposes or payroll receipt (a letter on the employer's letterhead will not be accepted);

• Child’s birth certificate or passport;
• Names of any siblings who will be enrolled in grades 1-5 at the school in September 2012.

Zoned schools will give priority to students who live in that zone. Schools will make assignments according to the following priorities, listed from highest to lowest:

1. Zoned students with a sibling who will be enrolled in grades 1-5 at the school in September 2012;

2. All other zoned students;

3. Students residing in the school’s district but outside the school’s zone, with a sibling who will be enrolled in grades 1-5 at the school in September 2012;

4. Student residing outside of the school’s district with a sibling who will be enrolled in grades 1-5 at the school in September 2012;

5. All other students residing in the school’s district but outside the school’s zone,

6. All other students.

Families can visit the Department’s Web site at www.nyc.gov/schools or call 311 to locate their zoned school.

2012 Kindergarten Enrollment for Families of Students with Disabilities