On this page: Your zoned school | What you need to bring | Immunizations | When to register

Your zoned school

Your child has a right to attend his "zoned school," which is your local or neighborhood school. That's the general rule. Most elementary school students attend their zoned schools and may register directly at the school. When the school is too crowded, however, the local Office of Student Enrollment Planning and Operations (OSEPO) should direct new students to another school in the district. Call 311 to find out if you have a zoned school, or if they can't tell you, call the central Office of Student Enrollment Planning and Operations at 212-374-2363.

Many areas of the city no longer have zoned middle or high schools. If you live in an area without a zoned school, you'll need to go to the nearest enrollment office for placement.

What you need to bring

Bring your child! Parents must also have proof of immunization and proof of New York City residence. If your child is registering for the first time, you must also bring proof of age -- a birth certificate, baptismal certificate, or passport. (To apply for a birth certificate, click here.) Immigrants do not to need to bring any documents on their immigration status. If your child has been enrolled in a different school, bring whatever records you have -- report cards, transcripts -- to make sure your child is placed in the correct grade. If you do not have school records, your child should be enrolled and start attending while the new school sends for them. And if there is a dispute about documentation, the child should be admitted provisionally while the enrollment office investigates.

To prove you live in the school’s zone, you are required to bring a utility bill, a lease or other proof of residence, such as a deed, a document from the City Housing Authority or Human Resources Administration, or a statement from an employer, social agency, community-based organization or religious institution. (In general, schools do not accept phone bills or rent receipts as proof of residence.) If you are subletting or sharing an apartment and are not the primary resident, you can bring an affidavit from the primary residents saying you live there. You should also bring their proof of New York City residence. (See also definition of a child's residence.)

If you have taken over responsibility for a young person because the parent has abandoned or is otherwise unable to take care of the child, you are a custodial parent. If you are a custodial parent, you do not need guardianship papers to register your child. You do, however, need to write and sign an affidavit describing why the parent cannot provide care and stating that you are now responsible for the child.
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Immunization

If you don't have immunization records, schools will give you a two-week "grace period" either to produce your child's immunization records or verify that you have started your child on the first round of shots. Families can also receive exemptions for religious or medical reasons. If you've lost your immunization records, or your child hasn't been vaccinated, or you need a religious or medical exemption, click here for more information.
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When to register

There aren't enough public pre-kindergarten (pre-K) programs to accommodate every child, so it is important to check with your neighborhood school, district office, or enrollment office. in the fall of the year before your child is eligible to attend to find out what’s available in your district. Be sure to ask about public pre-k programs offered by local community organizations. And, search our directory of pre-K programs.

For kindergarten and 1st grade, registration starts in the spring for children attending their zoned schools. Children who do not register then (or who are granted variances afterward) may register in late August or September. Early registration is best. If there is limited space at your local kindergarten the enrollment office still must offer your child a spot in kindergarten but it may be in another school.

Students in grades 2-12 who are new to New York City may register immediately in school. A parent or guardian must accompany the child to the school for registration. High school students who did not go through the application process and middle school students who live in a district where there is school choice should go to their local enrollment office. From there, they may be assigned to their zoned school, if they have one, or to another school. It's best to go in wiht a list of schools you would like to attend.