Need something else?

Each fall, 5th grade public school students or current 6th grade students at an elementary school that ends in 6th grade must participate in the middle school admissions process. 

The middle school application for the 2025-2026 school year opens on October 9, 2024 and closes on December 13, 2024. Offers are released on April 9, 2025.

You can sign up to receive emails with the latest updates on middle school admissions, including events.

Explore Schools

You can apply for up to 12 programs on your application.

To decide which programs to include on your application, you can:

  • Look up your zoned middle school and other middle schools in the City using the School Finder page.
  • Read the Middle School Admissions Guide. You can pick it up from your school or a Family Welcome Center.
  • Visit schools or attend open houses or other events.

Most years, visiting a school can help you learn if it may be the right place for your child. This year, schools are encouraged to create virtual resources for applicants to learn about their schools. Check schools' MySchools pages for links to their websites, where you can find information about any virtual events, as well as resources like video tours.

You can also contact schools directly for the most recent information, such as whether they will hold virtual open houses or information sessions.

How to Apply

During the application period, you can apply:

  • Online with MySchools
  • Through your school counselor

You can list to up to 12 programs on your application. Rank each program in order of preference.

Offers

All students who applied will receive a middle school offer letter in the Spring. Offers will also be available to view in MySchools.

Offers are based on seat availability, admissions priorities, and admissions methods.

Most students get an offer to attend one of the programs ranked on their application, but it’s not guaranteed. If you don’t get an offer from one of the programs on your application, you will get one to another school.

You cannot appeal to change your child’s middle school match.

Waitlists

Your child will be automatically added to the waitlist for any school that you placed higher on your application than the school where you got an offer. For example, if your child got an offer to attend the school you listed third on their application, they will be added to the waitlist for your first and second choice schools.

You will also be able to add your child to a waitlist for schools lower on their list or schools you didn’t list on the application.

You can check your child’s place on the waitlist for any school through your MySchools account. You can also contact the school. If a seat opens up, the school will contact you directly with an offer.

You can register at your zoned school once the school year begins if you:

  • Didn't apply during the application period
  • Are new to NYC public schools
  • Have moved to a new neighborhood

To find your zoned school, visit the School Zones page.

If you don't have a zoned school, you can enroll at a Family Welcome Center

You can get more information and assistance with enrollment.

Online

Get middle school enrollment information.

Family Welcome Centers are also providing assistance online.

By Phone

  • Agency: Department of Education
  • Division: Office of Student Enrollment
  • Phone Number: (718) 935-2009
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 6 PM
  • Agents are available during business hours, except on public school holidays.

What to Bring to Register

To register your child for school, you must bring:

  • Two proofs of address
  • Proof of the child's age, such as a birth certificate, passport, or record of baptism
  • Your child's immunization records
  • Latest report card/transcript (if available)
  • Individualized Education Program (IEP) and/or 504 Accommodation Plan (if applicable and available)

All children under the age of 5 years (6-59 months) are required to receive the flu shot if they attend a New York City regulated preschool or child care center. Visit the Flu Shot and Prevention page to learn more.

Proof of Address

Bring two of the following to prove your address:

  • Income tax form for the last calendar year
  • State, City, or other government-issued identification (including an IDNYC card) which isn't expired, and includes the address of residence
  • Official NYS Driver License, Non-Driver ID card, or learner permit which isn't expired, and includes the address of residence
  • A rent receipt, which includes the address of residence, dated within the past 60 days
  • A residential utility bill (gas or electric) issued by National Grid, Con Edison, or the Long Island Power Authority dated within the past 60 days
  • Water bill for the residence dated within the past 90 days
  • A cable bill for the residence, which includes the name of the parent and the address of residence, dated within the past 60 days
  • Documentation or a letter on letterhead from a federal, state, or local government agency dated within the past 60 days that includes the resident's name and address. Examples of agencies include:
    • Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
    • New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)
    • The federal Office of Refugee Resettlement
    • Human Resources Administration (HRA)
    • Administration for Children's Services (ACS) or an ACS subcontractor
  • A lease agreement, deed, or mortgage statement for the residence
  • A current property tax bill for the residence
  • Official payroll documentation from an employer issued within the past 60 days that includes the home address, A letter on the employer's letterhead isn't adequate. Examples include:
    • Paystub with home address
    • Form submitted for tax withholding purposes
    • Payroll receipt
  • Voter registration documents that include the name of the parent and the address of residence
  • Unexpired membership document based upon residency, such as neighborhood residents' association, which includes the name of the parent and the address of residence
  • Evidence of custody of the child, including judicial custody orders or guardianship papers issued within the past 60 days that includes the name of the student and the home address

You can get help with the middle school admissions process and enrollment.

Online

Get middle school enrollment information.

Family Welcome Centers are also providing assistance online.

In Person

Speak with your school counselor. For contact information, visit the School Finder page.

By Phone

  • Agency: Department of Education
  • Division: Office of Student Enrollment
  • Phone Number: (718) 935-2009
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 6 PM
  • Agents are available during business hours, except on public school holidays.

 Was this information helpful?   Yes    No