New York City, NY

NYC public school enrollment rules for movers

See the exact NYC zoned K-8, no-zone, and high-school enrollment steps for a new address.

Quick answer

See the exact NYC zoned K-8, no-zone, and high-school enrollment steps for a new address.

Source-first Reviewed Jul 2026
Exact district rule

New York City Public Schools: what the rule actually says

Most NYC students in kindergarten through grade 8 attend their zoned school when the home address has one. A family with a zoned K-8 school contacts that school directly to register. If the address has no zoned elementary or middle school, the family uses a Family Welcome Center. A new student who needs grades 9-12 also uses a Family Welcome Center rather than enrolling through a zoned K-8 school.

Answer type: exact enrollment ruleDistrict: New York City Public SchoolsPolicy basis: Current policy, reviewed July 28, 2026Reviewed July 28, 2026

Assignment rules at a glance

These are the district-specific fields that determine what happens after an address or school request is submitted.

Grades K-8 with a zoneContact the zoned school directly to register.
Grades K-8 without a zoneUse a Family Welcome Center for enrollment.
Grades 9-12A new student uses a Family Welcome Center.
Address lookupThe home address determines whether a zoned elementary or middle school exists.

Moving checklist

  1. Enter the new home address in NYC Find a School.
  2. For a zoned K-8 result, contact that school directly.
  3. For no zoned result or a high-school placement, use a Family Welcome Center.

Official policy sources

The answer above is stated on-page; these links document the district rules and policy year.

Other exact moving rules

Compare how address assignment, school choice, and enrollment work in other districts.