Enrollment in New York City Public Schools
for Immigrant Families
Who can attend NYC public schools?
• All children aged 4 to 21 who live in New York City have the right to attend
public school in NYC until they graduate from high school.
• All students applying for public school must be admitted immediately and placed
in school within 5 school days.
• Students cannot be turned away because of a lack of space.
• Students who have had little or no education in the past cannot be turned away.
• All students have the right to attend school regardless of their immigration
status or the immigration status of their family members.
→ School staff are not allowed to ask you about your immigration status.
→ Even if a student or his or her parents are undocumented or don’t have
social security numbers, the student can still receive all school services,
including free lunch, free breakfast, and transportation.
When can new students register for school?
If you are new to NYC, you can register your child in the public school system at any time. You do not have to wait
until the start of the new school year or semester.
Where do I enroll my child?
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL & MIDDLE SCHOOL ENROLLMENT:
If your child is entering elementary school or middle school, you should contact your zoned school to register. You
may also visit your local Family Welcome Center for help. Parents or guardians must bring the child with them for
enrollment and registration.
HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENT:
To enroll in High School, go to your local Family Welcome Center. If a youth under the age of 18 has a parent or
guardian, the parent or guardian must accompany the youth to the Family Welcome Center to enroll in school. If a
youth is an emancipated minor or an unaccompanied youth, they do not need to be accompanied by an adult to enroll in
school.
The DOE also has several alternative programs for older students, including Career and Technical Education programs,
high school equivalency diploma programs, and transfer schools. Find more information about these programs on the
DOE’s website.
What if my family does not
have a place to live or we
live in housing that is
temporary?
A federal law (McKinney-
Vento Act) requires the
immediate enrollment of
children that live in these
situations. If you need
assistance, please call the NYS-
TEACHS free helpline at 800-
388-2014.
What is a zoned school? A zoned school is a public school for students living in a specific neighborhood or area.
Even though every child is guaranteed a spot in a public school, if your zoned school has no space for new students
your child may be assigned to a different school.
To find your zoned school, call 311 and tell the operator your address, or visit schoolsearch.schools.nyc and enter
your address at the top of the page. You can also visit the school you believe is your zoned school or a Family
Welcome Center for more help.
This fact sheet does not constitute legal advice. This fact sheet attempts to summarize existing policies or laws without stating the opinion of AFC. If you have a
legal problem, please contact an attorney or advocate.
Copyright © April 2023 by Advocates for Children of New York, Inc.
What documents do I need for registration?
You must bring the following documents when registering a child for
school:
• Proof of the child’s age, such as a birth certificate or passport.
• Immunization records for the child.
• School records, if available.
• Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Accommodation Plan, if the
child has one.
• A photo ID for the parent or guardian.
AND you must bring 2 forms of proof to show you live in NYC. Proof of residency includes: *
• A gas, electric, or cable television bill from the past 60
days.
• A rent receipt from the past 60 days.
• A property tax bill.
• An original lease, deed, or mortgage agreement.
• A document from a payroll or government agency.
• Affidavit from someone who knows you live at your
address. (Note: In this situation you will be asked for 3
forms of proof of residency.)
*For a full list of documents accepted as proof of residency, call 311.
What if a student’s school records are from another country?
If your child’s records are from outside the U.S. and in a different language, they should be translated by the Department
of Education (DOE). You can also ask an outside agency, such as your home country’s consulate, for help translating
your child’s records.
What if I don’t have my school records?
If your child does not have school records from their home country, the school cannot turn you away. They should
enroll your child in the grade closest to his or her age. School records can be provided, if available, after your child is
enrolled.
New York City Department of Education Family Welcome Centers
Family Welcome Centers are open from 8am—3pm, Monday—Friday.
Translation and interpretation services are available at Family Welcome Centers
BRONX
1 Fordham Plaza, 7th Fl., 10458
718-329-8050
Districts Served: 7, 9, 10
1230 Zerega Avenue, 10462
718-828-7546
Districts Served: 8, 11, 12
MANHATTAN
28-11333 Seventh Ave., 12th Fl., 10001
917-339-1763
333FWC@schools.nyc.gov
Districts Served: 1, 2, 4
123 Morningside Dr, 10027
332-228-0312
MorningsideF[email protected]v
Districts Served: 3, 5, 6
BROOKLYN
1780 Ocean Avenue, 11230
718-758-7744
OceanFWC@schools.nyc.gov
Districts Served: 17, 18, 22
415 89th Street, 11209
718-759-3900, option #4
89thFWC@schools.nyc.gov
Districts Served: 20, 21
1665 St. Mark's Ave., 11233
718-240-3609
Districts Served: 19, 23, 32
355 Park Place, 11238
718-623-5069
ParkPlaceFWC@schools.nyc.gov
Districts Served: 13, 14, 15, 16
QUEENS
28-11 Queens Plaza North, LIC 11101
718-391-6270
QueensPlazaNFWC@schools.nyc.gov
Districts Served: 24, 30
30-48 Linden Place, Flushing 11354
718-281-3538
LindenFWC@schools.nyc.gov
Districts Served: 25, 26
90-27 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica 11435
718-557-2786
SutphinFWC@schools.nyc.gov
Districts Served: 27, 28, 29
STATEN ISLAND
2715 Ocean Terrace, Bldg. A, 10301
718-420-5654
PetridesFWC@schools.nyc.gov
Districts Served: 3
Can a school or Family Welcome
Center turn me away if:
I don’t have immunization records? NO
I don’t have school records? NO
I don’t have proof of residency? NO
I don't have proof of age? NO
