学Free 3-K and Pre-K
NYC offers free full-day school for 3-year-olds (3-K) and 4-year-olds (Pre-K), regardless of income, immigration status or language. Applications close early in the year; the online form is available in Chinese.
Important: this guide is general information, not legal, immigration or other professional advice. Rules may have changed; confirm with the agency before applying. Disclaimer
Who can apply
- NYC children turning 3 or 4 that year
- No income or status requirement
How to apply, step by step
- Step 1Check your child's birth year: for fall 2027, children born in 2023 go to Pre-K and born in 2024 go to 3-K.
- Step 2Watch for the opening: the next round is expected to open in early 2027 (the 2026 deadline was February 27). Everyone who applies by the deadline gets an offer; it's not first-come.
- Step 3Apply online: go to MySchools (myschools.nyc), choose Chinese, create an account and add your child.
- Step 4Choose programs: list the programs you want in order of preference. There's no limit, so listing more helps you get one you like.
- Step 5You can make changes until the deadline.
- Step 6Can't go online? Call 718-935-2009 (interpreters in 200+ languages; say "Chinese, please") or visit a Family Welcome Center for help.
After you apply
- When you'll hear: offers usually come in May (in 2026, Pre-K on May 12 and 3-K on May 19).
- Accept the offer by the date on your offer letter and pre-register at the school; see the NYC Public Schools pre-registration checklist for documents.
- Waitlists: if you didn't get your top choice, schools may contact you from the waitlist through the summer.
- Questions: call 718-935-2009, or call 311 and ask about "3-K" or "Pre-K for All".
Tips
- No income or status check; apply with confidence.
- Rank programs in the order you really want them, not by which seems easier to get.
- Mark the early-2027 application dates on your calendar so you don't miss the deadline.
This guide is general information, not legal or professional advice. Rules change often; confirm with the official website or agency staff before applying.
