Kindergarten Applications Open! 

This year, children born in 2021 are eligible to apply to kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year. The Elementary School Admissions team is here to support you throughout the process.  

All NYC families with children born in 2021 are encouraged to apply—including students learning English, those with disabilities and students in temporary housing.

Here are some key dates you should be aware of as you move through the process: 

• Tuesday, December 9, 2025: Kindergarten Application Opens  

• Friday, January 23, 2026: Kindergarten Application Closes  

• Tuesday March 31, 2026: Kindergarten Offer Release

Please note: These dates are subject to change.  Any changes will be announced to families. 

Although the application is not open yet, here’s what you can do now to get started: 

1 Set up your MySchools account at MySchools.nyc 

No code or ID necessary — just your email address. If you already have a MySchools account, be sure to log in and review your child’s profile information.  If you do not see your child on your dashboard, please create a new profile for them by clicking “Add a child”. 

2 Use the MySchools directory here

to start exploring schools and programs. When submitting an application, you’re applying to programs within a school. All elementary schools have at least one kindergarten program, and many offer more than one (e.g., Dual Language or Gifted & Talented).

3 Visit schools! Check the MySchools events page LINK or contact schools directly to learn if they’ll be hosting virtual or in-person events. You can also visit a school's website to learn more; each school’s website is listed on its MySchools page.  Visiting schools online or in person is a great way to imagine what it’s like to go there.   

Submitting a kindergarten application will not impact your application to other options like charter or private school. Every child is guaranteed a kindergarten seat in a NYC Public School. 

Want to learn more? Visit our kindergarten admissions website LINK and watch our video playlist, featuring several MySchools tutorials. Still have questions? Call us at 718-935-2009 or visit your local Family Welcome Center (http://schools.nyc.gov/FWC).