On September 7, 2023, we will welcome students back to New York City public schools for the first day of the 2023-24 school year. We are so excited to begin this journey together. Over the course of the next year, we look forward to helping our City’s children learn and grow, academically and socially. The first step is ensuring that students and families have the tools they’ll need for a strong start and continued success this school year.
On this page, you will find important information and updates about academic policies, health and safety protocols, support services for students and families, and more.
Check out our Back to School Checklist for helpful tips on preparing your child for a great start to the new year!
Get Ready
- Make sure your contact information is up-to-date – sign in to your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA). Through NYCSA, you can see your child’s grades, attendance, fitness results, schedule, and more. Don’t have an account? Learn how to get started on our official NYCSA page.
- Fill out important health forms. Does your child need medication or treatments provided during the school day? Learn more about Health Services in schools.
- Download a printable copy of the 2023-24 school year calendar.
- Find contact information for your child’s school with the Find a School tool.
- Complete necessary immunizations.
- Learning happens every day! Follow these tips for staying healthy throughout the school year so your child doesn’t miss instruction.
New to NYC public schools? Visit our New Students page for everything you need to know about enrolling your child. Need help? Visit Enrollment Help.
Have Questions? We Have Answers!
- Questions about special education services, resources, and programs? Visit our official Special Education in NYC page to learn more.
- Did you know that NYC public schools provide free and nutritious breakfast and lunch to all students? Visit School Food to learn more and see monthly menus.
- How is your child getting to school this year? For information on school transportation, including student eligibility for bus service or free MetroCards, check out our Transportation Guide for Families. For more detailed information about the different types of school transportation available and your rights, visit Transportation Overview.
- Traveling to school by foot, bicycle, car, or public transportation? You can look up information about the best route to your child’s school with tools like Google Maps, Apple Maps, Bing, or Maps.Me.
- Get subway and bus maps, the latest updates on route status, and plan your trip on public transportation (including commute time!) on the MTA website or using the MTA’s official apps for iOS and Android
Know Your Rights
- As valued members of our school communities, students and families are entitled to certain rights and services within City public schools. Visit our Know Your Rights page(Open external link) to learn more.
- NYC public schools speak your language! Learn more about how to get help understanding important documents, communicating with your child’s school, or interacting with staff members at DOE offices by visiting our NYC Public Schools Speak Your Language page(Open external link).
- Help shape NYC children’s educational future. New York City’s Community and Citywide Education Councils (CECs) of elected volunteer parents help shape policies and priorities for the City’s public schools. Take the opportunity to get involved in your child’s school district and attend a local CEC meeting this fall!
Digital Learning and Technology Help
- Visit the Digital Learning page for information about digital learning devices provided by NYC schools, common online applications and platforms, DOE Student Accounts, digital citizenship, free software and more.
- Having trouble? Get help with school accounts, software, and devices on the NYC Public Schools technology SupportHub.
Outside the Classroom
- Want to know more about afterschool programs available near you? Local schools partner with community-based organizations to provide afterschool care on-site and nearby. Contact your child’s school for information about specific programs available at your location, and visit the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development’s After School web page to learn more about free afterschool programs offered by the City.
- Will your student have a part-time job during the school year? Per New York State law, all students between the ages of 14 and 17 must get Working Papers (or Employment Certification)in order to work.
Did You Know?
- As a parent or legal guardian of a New York City school student, you are automatically a member of your local Parent or Parent Teacher Association (PA/PTA). PA/PTAs advocate for students and families, serve as important messengers to the school community, and plan and run activities for families. PA/PTAs support schools in a number of ways, such as hosting parent and family workshops and activities, raising funds, and running volunteer events. As an active PA/PTA member you can make a tremendous difference for the students and families in your school community.
- You may have automatically received P-EBT food benefits of $120 if your child is a Kindergarten through Grade 12 (K-12) student, was enrolled in an NSLP-participating school in June 2023, and is eligible to receive free or reduced-price school meals. These temporary food benefits were provided to help cover the cost of meals children would have received at school during the 2021-22 school year, Summer 2022 and Summer 2023. Learn more at the NYS Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) Food Benefits site.
