Public School Early Grade Enrollment Begins

The New York City Department of Education (DOE) today announced that enrollment for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten began March 12 and enrollment for first grade begins March 19. Parents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible at the public elementary school closest to their home or the contracted community-based pre-kindergarten provider they choose.

Children who will turn four years old by December 31, 2007 are eligible to be enrolled in pre-kindergarten for the 2007- 08 school year. Children who will turn five years old by that date are eligible to be enrolled in kindergarten and children who will turn six years old by that date are eligible to be enrolled in first grade.

To apply, parents must provide proof of age and proof of New York City address, but do not need to provide proof of citizenship or a green card. Children must be present during the admission process and must meet all health requirements for entry into the city's public schools, including a complete physical examination and, as appropriate, immunizations.

To apply for pre-kindergarten, parents should obtain an application and a directory of pre-kindergarten programs from their nearest public elementary school or on the DOE Web site at http://schools.nyc.gov/earlychildhood. Parents applying to a program at a contracted community-based organization should return the application to the provider they choose.

Parents can call 311 to find their zoned elementary school.