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Education and Literacy
In New York City, everyone between the ages of 5 - 21 is entitled to attend a public school regardless of the immigration status of the student, parent or guardian, and regardless of how well he or she speaks English.
Public School Education Options
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Pre-Kindergarten (age 4)
Public School (age 5-21)
In New York City, everyone between the ages of 5 to 21 who has not received a high school diploma is entitled to attend a public school in the school district in which he or she lives. The student is entitled to attend a public school regardless of the immigration status of the student, parent, or guardian, and regardless of how well he or she speaks English. Reference to a student’s or parent’s immigration status does not appear on any school forms and/or records.
Any student who lives in New York City may attend a public school regardless of when he or she arrived in the U.S. If a student moved to New York City in the middle of the school year, he or she may immediately register for a public school. To register, a student needs to show certain documentation, including proof of residency in the school district and immunizations.
To learn more about enrolling a child in school visit www.schools.nyc.gov/enroll.
After-School and Community Programs
The NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) provides after-school and community programs for children and families, including free after-school help, information about jobs and internships, English-language and adult education, and free immigration legal help.
- Call 800-246-4646 or visit www.nyc.gov/afterschool for more information on after-school and community programs.
College/University
All residents of New York State, regardless of immigration status, are eligible to pay in-state tuition at all City University of New York (CUNY) and State University of New York (SUNY) colleges and universities.
- For more information about the City University of New York visit CUNY's website or call 800-CUNY-YES (286-9937).
- For more information about the State University of New York visit SUNY's website or call 800-342-3811.
The New York State DREAM Act
On July 3, New York State released the application for the Senator Jose Peralta New York State DREAM Act ("NYS DREAM Act"), which gives undocumented and other students access to New York State‐administered grants and scholarships that support their higher education costs. New York's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is now available to more students, including those who meet criteria related to attendance of a NYS high school or NYS high school equivalency program. Undocumented students can now also access State financial aid and State scholarships for higher education. Furthermore, this law codifies the practice of allowing all New Yorkers to access the 529 College Savings Program regardless of immigration status.
Adult Education
Anyone over age 21 who lives in New York City may register for Adult Education classes with DOE as well.
- English as a Second Language
- Basic Education
- High School Equivalency Classes
- Learn more about education courses offered by DOE
We Speak NYC
We Speak NYC is an Emmy Award-winning television show created to help immigrant New Yorkers practice English while informing them of the city's resources.
Adult Literacy Program
There are several literacy programs run by the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) for anyone over the age of 16 who is not enrolled or required to be enrolled in school and who cannot speak, read and/or write the English language well enough to participate in education or training programs conducted in English.
Young Adult Literacy Program
DYCD also runs a program for youth between the ages of 16 and 24 who lack the reading, writing and/or math skills needed to enroll in a General Educational Development (GED) Tests Preparation Program.