Free Pre-K for four-year-olds
Pre-K for All (Pre-K) | NYC Department of Education (DOE)
1. How it Works
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 2024-2025 school year between January 10, 2024 to March 1, 2024.
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 (CBOs).
2. Determine your eligibility
All NYC children born in 2020 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 pre-K.
3. How to apply
Here are your options.
Apply online
Apply on MySchools from January 10, 2024 to March 1, 2024. You can apply in English, Arabic, Bengali/Bangla, Chinese, Haitian Creole, French, Korean, Russian, Spanish, or Urdu.
You can also find half-day pre-K programs in MySchools.
Apply by phone
Enroll over the phone by calling 718-935-2009.
Apply from January 10, 2024 to March 1, 2024.
Interpretation services are available in more than 200 languages.
Apply in person
Apply at a Family Welcome Center from January 10, 2024 to March 1, 2024.