NYC free 3-K and Pre-K
Free, full-day preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds in New York City, regardless of income.
Apply on the official site ↗Goes to Schools.nyc.gov. Applying is free.
Who generally qualifies
New York City children who turn 3 or 4 in the calendar year.
Exact income limits and rules are set by NYC Public Schools and can change. Check the official site for current details.
How to apply
- Apply through MySchools during the application period.
- Accept your offer.
What to have ready
- Child's birth certificate
- Proof of NYC address
Common questions
- Does it cost anything to apply?
- No. Applying through the official site is free. Be wary of anyone who charges a fee to apply for you.
- Do I have to pay it back?
- No. It's a free or low-cost service, not a loan.
- Who decides if I qualify?
- NYC Public Schools makes the final decision. This page explains the program in general terms only.
- Where can I find current income limits and amounts?
- Income limits, benefit amounts and deadlines change, so check Schools.nyc.gov for the latest details.
Added October 21, 2026. BenefitSearch is not affiliated with NYC Public Schools.