Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

Schools Update: City To Open Registration For 3K And Pre-K Programs

By

Sophia Chang

Published Feb 4, 2021

Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail

Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .

a teacher and student, both wearing masks, sit at a table

 

NYC Mayor's Office

By

Sophia Chang

Published Feb 4, 2021

Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail

We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

The city will open registration for 3K and Pre-K programs on February 24th, the last pieces of the public school system’s programming for the 2021-2022 school year.

3K programs will now be available in Districts 1, 12, 14, and 29 this coming school year, in addition to the existing programs in Districts 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 19, 23, 27, 31, and 32. While families who live in these districts have priority for seats, the registration is open to all families in the city . The deadline for 3K applications is April 30th.

The city’s universal Pre-K program for four-year-olds, hailed as Mayor Bill de Blasio’s signature accomplishment of his administration, will accept applications through April 7th.

In New York City, school is not mandatory until age six, but educational experts say early childhood education in public schools helps students improve academic and social skills, while offering free childcare in a city where daycare can cost an average of $11,648 to $16,250 a year.

New York City is one of the few American municipalities to offer some free 3K and universal pre-K in the public school system, according to a report by progressive think tank the Century Foundation: “Only nine states and the District of Columbia have any kind of pre-K program with universal eligibility for three-year-olds.”

In 2019, there were about 70,000 students enrolled in free pre-K across the city, compared to only 19,000 students in New York City who were enrolled in 2013.

But enrollment in 3K, pre-K and kindergarten programs this year have fallen steeply during the pandemic in New York City, similar to patterns seen across the country. The city’s Department of Education announced last week that 3K enrollment was down 8% and pre-K enrollment down 13%, and kindergarten enrollment dropped 9%.

Parents can apply to the programs online at MySchools.nyc or over the phone at 718-935-2009. There are also still 3K and pre-K seats for this school year, the DOE said -- families should call 718-935-2009 or email [email protected] to learn about any available options in their community.

Tagged

COVID-19

universal pre-K

coronavirus

schools reopening

Sophia Chang

Sophia Chang is a former WNYC and Gothamist reporter.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

MORE news

Early Addition: Is Harry running?

Because Harry Styles' Madison Square Garden residency is over in time for the marathon, here are your early links: Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont going for a historic third term, real estate brokers posing in their listing photos, watches on ankles and more.

By

James Ramsay

Published Oct 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. ET

NYC Council takes key step toward Mamdani's promised Department of Community Safety

Lawmakers on Friday debate a bill that would create the new department.

By

Ben Feuerherd

News

NYC Council takes key step toward Mamdani's promised Department of Community Safety

Lawmakers on Friday debate a bill that would create the new department.

By

Ben Feuerherd

NY progressives have found a way to vote for Hochul, with an asterisk

By

Walter Wuthmann

Can you eat the mushrooms growing out of your bathroom ceiling?

By

Rosemary Misdary

Bronx community hosts vigil for boy killed in e-bike fire

By

Carol Chen

Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .