NYC’s high school application process is notoriously complex. These expert tips can help you navigate the deadlines, tours, and programs to find a good fit for your child.

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic front-runner in the NYC mayoral race, said Wednesday he wants to double the size of a program for homeless students at public schools, if he is elected: www.nydailynews.com/2025/10/08/m...

New York City has one of the highest rates of student homelessness among large U.S. school districts. The mayoral race has been dominated by debate about the effects of the housing crisis. But the youngest victims have received far less attention.

30 years without a real raise: New York's early intervention pay crisis

Schools can play a critical role in supporting students who are homeless. But “to move the needle” and create lasting, systemic change, we need a multi-agency approach that works to address their unique educational barriers.

"Over the last year, scores of New York providers have faced delayed or missed payments because of glitches with the state’s new data & payment portal... Meanwhile, across New York state, countless families no longer have access to critical therapies because of the steady attrition from the field."

We'll be testifying at this @council.nyc.gov hearing on language access this afternoon, sharing recommendations for how NYCPS can improve communication with families who speak languages other than English. Our testimony:

Proud to join elected leaders, parents, students, and advocates in standing up for transgender students. Equity for ALL students!

Megan Wendt, Program Coordinator for BronxWorks Transform Shelter Aftercare & NYC MOMS Partnership programs (at podium), joined Advocates for Children of New York at City Hall to advocate for improved school bus routes and service. TY Megan and AFC for bringing attention to this important matter!

Hear from the Road to Better Busing Coalition on why New York City must fix its broken yellow bus system, now. It's not just about a late bus. It's about the dignity of our children and families, and students deserve safe, reliable busing that supports learning and enrichment. No more delays!

New York City's broken yellow bus system must be fixed. We'll continue to demand better, reliable busing until our students get the busing they need. In order for them to get the most out of their education, we need to make sure they safely get to the classroom on time. @afcnewyork.bsky.social

There are many sounds in English that don’t exist in Spanish, and vice versa. In this district, teachers highlight these differences, as part of the school system’s approach to the “science of reading.”

🚍 With parents, advocates, electeds, and @newyorkappleseed.bsky.social at City Hall calling for better busing now! We need service that gets students to school on time, every time. Thank you @advocate.nyc.gov @nyccomptroller.bsky.social @cmrestler.bsky.social for standing with us!

Join The Road to Better Busing Coalition, parents, students, educators, and advocates, as we call on NYC leaders to fix our broken yellow bus system. Date: Monday, September 22nd Time: 12-1PM Location: City Hall steps Register here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

📣 A reminder that in NYC, students have the right to use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity. @nycschools.bsky.social policy, State Education Department policy *and* NYS Human Rights Law all protect that right. Learn more about your rights as an LGBTQ+ student in NYC in our guide:

Today we're testifying before @council.nyc.gov about the need to ensure after-school programs can meet the needs of all students—including students with disabilities—and to provide bus service home from after-school programs so that students who rely on busing are able to participate.

Advocates for Children of New York's Back to School Resource Hub has deadlines, helpful links, and more need-to-know information for students, families, and professionals as the school year gets started! advocatesforchildren.org/back-to-scho... @afcnewyork.bsky.social

Join us on Monday, September 22, for The Road to Better Busing Rally in front of City Hall steps. Let's make sure that these children can get to and from school and related activities safely and with all their needs met. RSVP:

So important: “This is a huge win for students with disabilities and a huge win for our students with dyslexia, who have been trying to find a place where they belong. Now they belong in every school, every, every classroom,” Foti said.

“Whichever school, whichever classroom you're in, as a parent, you should expect that your child is getting the support if they need it,” [Chancellor] Aviles-Ramos said in an interview with NY1.

“What I haven’t seen is a citywide campaign on the importance of being in school,” one advocate said.

Join The Road to Better Busing Coalition, parents, students, educators, and advocates, as we call on NYC leaders to fix our broken yellow bus system. Date: Monday, September 22nd Time: 12-1PM Location: City Hall steps Register here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Head Start has never asked families about their immigration status. The Trump administration wants to change that, but its new rule is now on hold nationwide.

“The whole system is not designed for their success,” said one Bronx teacher in response to a blistering audit of the city’s lack of support for English language learners.

NYC students not getting enough help to learn English: comptroller’s audit

“Defunding community parent-resource centers is a despicable act by the administration,” said Wexler, who worked on special education at the department for more than 35 years.

NEW: our latest audit finds that @nycschools.bsky.social is failing to support English Language Learners (ELL). As families go back to school, City Hall must comply with state statutes and provide an equal opportunity to learn—no matter what language students speak.

Her son was stuck on a school bus for 3 hours. NYC data says the delay never happened. https://gothamist.com/news/her-son-was-stuck-on-a-school-bus-for-3-hours-nyc-data-says-the-delay-never-happened

Do you have questions about the NYC school system? Advocates for Children’s Education Helpline is here to help! Call the Helpline on Monday-Thursday, 10am-4pm, at 866-427-6033 (toll free). @afcnewyork.bsky.social

The school year could be shaped by major policy shifts and political uncertainty. Here are six big things to watch, from class size caps to the mayoral election.

“Please don’t be afraid, because you all have rights. They are federal rights and we want to make sure that your children are able to participate in school, and make progress every year, as the law says they’re entitled to do.” — AFC's Rita Rodriguez-Engberg

🚍 It's almost back to school season! Join AFC advocates to get tips for troubleshooting issues that families frequently experience at this time of year, including busing, transportation changes, special education services, and more. Learn more & register:

NYC public school students head back to class on Thursday, 9/4. For many families, that means stocking up on a fresh batch of school supplies—the costs of which can add up. City Limits compiled this list of back-to-school giveaways coming up: bit.ly/4oKQAYF

Do you have questions about the NYC school system? Advocates for Children’s Education Helpline is here to help! Call AFC on Monday-Thursday, 10am-4pm. AFC can speak to you in YOUR language! 866-427-6033 (toll-free) @afcnewyork.bsky.social

📚 As NYC families get ready for the first day of school, check out these free resources from @afcnewyork.bsky.social with resources, deadlines, and more need-to-know information to help students start the year strong: advocatesforchildren.org/back-to-scho...

These results are a hopeful signal that we're headed in the right direction — though still lots more work to do. At AFC, we continue to hear from families who are unable to get their children the support they need to learn to read.

Reading scores in NYC show signs of improvement following Adams’ literacy overhaul https://gothamist.com/news/reading-scores-in-nyc-show-signs-of-improvement-following-adams-literacy-overhaul

The state test scores released today, which show that 56% of 3rd-8th graders are reading proficiently, offer a promising sign that real change is beginning to take root — while also driving home the need to go further to ensure the promise of NYC Reads reaches *all* students. Full statement:

"The delays mean children may go without the transportation, physical therapy, counseling, and tutoring services they’re entitled to — or their parents may be forced to pay out of their own pocket" via @alexzimmerman.bsky.social www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2025...

The funding delay had schools scrambling to figure out how they might fill an unexpected budget gap, and some after-school programs abruptly closed.

“We are hopeful that this funding will make a significant difference in helping thousands of children get the services they need, and moving 3-K and Pre-K closer to being truly for all.” — AFC Policy Director Randi Levine

The $70M added to the NYC budget for preschool special education will help ensure thousands of young children with disabilities get the services they need at a key time in their lives. Thank you @mayor.nyc.gov @council.nyc.gov @nycspeakeradams.bsky.social @justinbrannan.bsky.social & CM Rita Joseph!

NYC Mayor Eric Adams has often threatened to cut funding for early childhood programs. The latest budget deal includes a boost for child care and preschool students with disabilities.

Thank you @council.nyc.gov @mayor.nyc.gov for including $70M for preschool special education in this year's budget!! This investment marks an important step toward moving 3-K & Pre-K far closer to being truly “for all.” Our full statement:

We're glad the city baselined $55M for preschool special education classes, but even with this funding, 600 children are waiting for a class and 7,000 are waiting for services like speech therapy. One of them is T., a child with cerebral palsy who's been out of school all year. @mayor.nyc.gov

Schools across NYC are celebrating graduation this week. At ELLIS Prep, which still has a student in ICE detention, national immigration politics loomed large over the ceremony: www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2025...

"Her son was getting services in early intervention before preschool — and says the city should be better prepared to serve children like her son when they age into 3-K. 'I think the city failed us. I do. They do — because they had enough time.'" @mayor.nyc.gov @council.nyc.gov

Malique is a 3-K student who's supposed to receive speech therapy three times a week & occupational therapy twice a week. But this year he hasn't had a single session of either service. @mayor.nyc.gov @council.nyc.gov @nycspeakeradams.bsky.social @justinbrannan.bsky.social

As of last month, 7,000+ preschoolers w/ disabilities were still waiting for needed services to start. One of them is A., a 4-yr-old in Queens who's gone the *entire school year* without ever receiving her mandated occupational therapy. That's time she can't get back. @mayor.nyc.gov @council.nyc.gov

Preschool special education isn't optional. Children with disabilities have a legal right to these services, and the City must do more to make that right a reality—starting by investing an additional $70M in this year's budget. @mayor.nyc.gov @council.nyc.gov @justinbrannan.bsky.social