Back to School 23-24
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 children learn and grow, academically and socially. The first step is ensuring that students and families have the tools they 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)(Open external link). Don’t have an account? Learn how to get started at New York City Schools Account (NYCSA).
- 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 2023-2024 school year calendar.
- Find contact information for your child’s school with the Find a School(Open external link) tool.
- Complete necessary immunizations.
- Learn about COVID-19 health and safety in schools.
New to New York City public schools? Visit our New Students page for everything you need to know about enrolling your child. Need help? Visit Enrollment Help.
Know Your Rights
- Did you know that students and families are entitled to certain rights and services within New York City public schools? As valued members of our school communities, it’s important that you Know Your Rights.
- New York City public schools speak your language! Learn more about how to get help with important documents or in communicating with your child’s school or our offices in languages other than English—let’s say Hello!
- Help shape our children’s educational future. This is an election year for New York City’s Education Councils, which consist of volunteer parents who help shape policies and priorities for New York City schools. There are 32 Community Education Councils (CECs) and 4 Citywide Councils. The 32 CECs offer parents an opportunity to get involved in their child’s school district, by running for office or voting for parents they support. If your child is in pre-K through grade 8 in a public, non-charter school, you can run for the CEC in that district. Parent members are elected by all parents in the district.
Digital Learning and Technology Help
- For information about technological devices provided by NYC schools, common online applications and platforms, DOE student accounts, digital citizenship, free software and more, visit Digital Learning.
- Having trouble? Get help with school accounts, software, and devices on the NYC Schools technology Support Hub(Open external link).
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(Open external link) 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.