NYC Public Schools: What Parents Need to Know for the 2024-2025 School Year

Summary:

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul is proposing a bill to ban smartphones in schools to help protect student mental health.
Pre-K and 3-K programs are still available this year, but seats may be limited in some areas.
Two new holidays, Diwali and Lunar New Year, have been added to the school calendar.
The Black Studies Curriculum, which explores African cultures and the Black experience in America, is expanding to all NYC public schools.
A new lockdown drill policy has been implemented to reduce student stress and trauma, with advanced notice to parents and an emphasis on age-appropriate drills.
NYC public school students will receive free OMNY cards for public transportation, allowing them four free rides per day on buses and subways.

Back to School in NYC: What's New for 2024-2025

The NYC public school year kicks off on September 5th, and there are some big changes in store for students and parents this year.

Cellphone Ban?

The possibility of a cellphone ban in schools is a hot topic. Governor Kathy Hochul is proposing a bill to ban phones to improve student mental health. While details are still pending, this could have a significant impact on how students use technology in school.

Pre-K and 3-K Still Available

Good news for parents! After some funding uncertainty, Pre-K and 3-K programs are still available, though seats may be limited in some areas. You can search for available seats on myschools.nyc.

New Holidays Added

Get ready for some extra days off! The school calendar now includes Diwali (November 1st) and Lunar New Year (January 29th) as official holidays.

New Black Studies Curriculum

NYC public schools are expanding the Black Studies Curriculum to all schools this year. This program explores African cultures, the African diaspora, and the Black experience in America.

New Lockdown Drill Policy

A new lockdown drill policy has been implemented to reduce student stress and trauma. Schools will now notify parents a week in advance about upcoming drills and avoid simulating violent situations.