Living in New York

LIVING IN NEW YORK  |  KIDS AND SCHOOLS

 

Preschool and school-aged children

Finding the right preschool or school can be challenging and requires some research, as you will have different options across the city. New York is known for both public and private options and there are many choices.

If your child is not yet of school age, there are many options to explore. (See the separate section on paid-for day care and preschool below).

Education Grant:

Please note many UN Staff members are eligible for an education grant. To find out about eligibility and the details of this benefit, click here . NB this page is complex and contains multiple amendments and updates. For clarity on Education Grant provision for your family’s circumstances, we recommend that you also ask your UN-employed partner to consult with the HR department of their UN agency directly.

Choosing a School – Public or Private?

Many schools will have up to 25 students per class, but some class sizes are smaller – this is something you will have to research. One website where you can see many school options, both public and private, in one place, is Niche.You can get an idea of the school enrolment process and requirements through this helpful webpage compiled by radio station WNYC. The website Great Schools is another useful place to compare the performance records of public, private and charter schools across the city. Similarly School Digger publishes school league tables.

The compulsory age at which children in NY State must start school is six years old. However, children can start daycare and preschool much younger. When it comes to the date that a child’s age is counted for enrollment, public schools and private schools have different practices. Public schools use December, whereas most private schools use September. The school year begins in September, and at most schools this is just after Labor Day (the first Monday in September), and it ends in mid- to end- June. The summer break is about 3 months long. Many schools will offer summer programs, and there will also be external providers – it’s a good idea to do an online search for day camps and/or sleep-away camps outside the city. You can select specific weeks for most camps. Prices will vary, but at times you can get sibling discounts. Summer camps in NYC are a big business and if your child has any special interests, you can search specifically for those too.

Public Schools:

All children are guaranteed a place in the NYC public system. For a family coming to NYC with children, deciding where to live is often determined by which school will suit your needs. In most instances – especially in the younger grades – which public school a child attends will be determined by his/her home address. To determine what school zone you belong to, visit the NYC Public Schools website. Be aware, however, that when it comes to High School, the admission process is based on test results, and not on school zoning. A child may also be enrolled in a public school in another district to where they live, if the parents’ workplace is in that district.

For a useful, independent guide to the public schools of NYC, check out Inside Schools.

Note – it isn’t possible to apply to the public school system before you can provide a local address.

Private Schools:

New York has a wide range of private schools, and entry processes vary. In most cases you can meet the admissions team online even before relocating to NYC. Most private schools will require an interview – although this does not always have to be in person. Some will have entry assessments; others will accept your child’s recent reports and request that their teacher fill out a teacher reference form.

Some private schools offer financial aid or corporate discounts, making it more affordable for families. It is always worth asking the admission officers.

Below is information about a small selection of Manhattan-based private schools that are popular with UN families:

  • Nord Anglia International School New York Part of a network of 90 international schools worldwide. Nord Anglia offers a British International curriculum, enrolling students from 2 to 13 years old. They have rolling admissions throughout the year and offer part-time or full-time for the youngest children. The school located to a new campus in 2025, which situated in Manhattan (Gramercy/Flatiron) on East 22 Street just off Park Avenue. Average class size is 12 students, with a maximum of 18 from kindergarten through 8th grade. The school partners with MIT, Juilliard and UNICEF as part of its curriculum. Nord Anglia offers a 20% discount for UN families, as well as sibling discounts.

  • The United Nations International School (UNIS) gives admission priority to families affiliated to the UN and is an obvious choice for UN families relocating to New York. UNIS has students from kindergarten all the way through high school (Grade 12).

  • Léman Manhattan Preparatory School Located in the Financial district, this is another private IB school for children from early childhood through to 12th grade. The school offers to match the UNIS fees for UN families.

  • The British International School of New York (BIS) is a private, independent school for children aged 3 to 14 years old. Situated overlooking the East River at 23 Street in Manhattan, it benefits from lovely water views, spacious classrooms and state-of-the-art technology and resources.

  • The Lycée Français de New York on the Upper East Side holds the distinction of being one of the most renowned bilingual French schools in North America. The Lycée welcomes students from more than 50 nationalities, giving them an education based on academic excellence and personal growth. It states its aim as preparing them to become responsible, dynamic citizens, capable of playing an important role in the future of the world.

  • The French-American School of New York (FASNY) is an international private school with more than 850 students in the greater New York City area (its premises are at Larchmont and Mamaroneck, about 20 miles north of UNHQ). The academic program is taught in French and English. FASNY offers non-French speakers two entry points into its multicultural community: in pre-school (3 to 6 years old), where the double language immersion program brings children to bilingualism, and in 11th grade, where the International Baccalaureate track is tailored to cater to bilingual FASNY students, local non-French speakers, and qualified international students.

Other school options:

  • Charter schools are publicly funded and open to all students in New York State through a non-discriminatory admissions lottery. Each charter school is governed by a not-for-profit Board of Trustees, which often includes educators, community members, and leaders from the private sector. Charters have the freedom to establish their own policies, design their own educational program, and manage their human and financial resources. Charter schools are also accountable, through the terms of a five-year performance contract, for high student achievement. Any child eligible for admission to a traditional public school is also eligible for admission to a charter public school. If you are interested in applying for your child’s admission to a charter school, you must contact the charter school directly to inquire about its application and enrolment timeline and process. More details can be found on the Charter School Directory.

A few tips before you begin the preschool/school search as an expat:

  1. We recommend that you have your child’s end-of-year school reports for at least the last two years of your child’s latest school ready in a digital format – that way you can easily share them when exploring a school option.
  1. If your child has any special learning requirements, keep a digital record to share with the prospective school so they can assist you with continuity.
  1. If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) then you should contact the Department of Education, as they will be able to assist. They can evaluate whether a child entering a public school can be given additional leaning support and explore if a specialist school might be the better option. If you find it challenging to get through to them, and/or feel you need some advice, there are also specialist education consultants and organizations who can offer advice and support, for example Child Mind Institute ,which works with clinicians and can provide assessments.

  1. Be sure to bring a digital record of your child’s immunization records. Before starting school, your child will also need to be examined by a NYC pediatric doctor or your NYC healthcare provider, and the doctor will need to fill out a New Admission Physical Exam Form (CH205). All students must have a current CH205 form and evidence of up-to-date immunizations on file before their first day of school. Forms are valid for one year from the examination date. For more information, click here.

Getting to and from school:

The Department of Transportation (DOT) supports families of children who are at public schools with transportation. From Kindergarten through high school, the DOT will assist pupils, either by issuing your with an OMNY travelcard — or by offering a DOT school bus service, so they can journey to and from school free of cost. You will need to advise your child’s school which kind of support you would like – and the school should be able to advise whether they are eligible for a free bus service. For more details on how the scheme works, click here.

If your child has an IEP where it is stated that they will need a curb service (pick up/ drop off closer to home because the child cannot access a standard bus stop), then the DOT will pick up your child from home and take them to and from school, across boroughs if required.

Daycare and Preschool:

Timing is essential when it comes to looking for childcare, since most daycare centers have a waiting list. To register your child or baby-to-be, in some instances you will be required to fill-out a registration form and pay a registration fee.

 Although the UN Education Grant does not cover any schooling before the child’s 5th birthday, many parents choose the kindergarten option, since it is considered a preparatory school for elementary school. Some private schools with preschools will also offer a UN discount.

A selection of preschool/kindergarten/daycare centers in New York:

 

Resources to help you find a daycare center:

  • New York State’s Office of Children and Family Services has a useful website with search tools.
  • Similarly, the city of New York’s children department, has a helpful families page where you can search for the kind of care you need.

Nanny/Au-Pair:

Finding a US-based nanny or Au Pair is likely to involve a combination of searching on the web, getting your UN-employed partner to check the UN Bulletin Board on iSeek, as well as searching through nanny agencies, consulate social groups, Facebook parent groups – and seeking word-of-mouth recommendations, including on the NYLESA WhatsApp or Facebook groups.

Before hiring a nanny, consider the following:

  • References
  • Type of hiring contract (including contractual provisions on taxes, insurance and other
  • benefits),
  • Salary

The following may be useful resources for finding in-house childcare and babysitting from agencies based in NYC.

If you wish to bring a nanny or other domestic assistance with you from a previous posting, you’ll need to check that both your family – and the nanny – are eligible, that you get the right visa for the nanny and that everyone involved is 100% clear about the regulations and time limits governing their stay. It’s a good idea to seek professional advice about the right visa — and to apply in plenty of time.

 Similarly, if you are seeking an au pair arrangement, you’ll need to be sure that you understand the regulations and obligations before going ahead. The following websites – which are from among the many commercial au pair agencies on the web – can help with the background:

Family friendly activities:

 To find ‘mommy & me’ playgroups in your area, check online platforms such as Yelp or Meetup – where you can specify which part of town you’re in. Do also ask on the NYLESA WhatsApp group ad Facebook page for members’ current recommendations.

 New York provides a wealth of activities for children of all ages. If your children are of school age, most schools offer a wide-range of after-school activity programs such as sports, arts, and more. Community service is highly encouraged at most high schools and many have volunteering programs that teenagers can become involved in, such as animal shelters or soup kitchens.

 Many NY parks have summertime programs for children – check https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/kids . One of the most active parks in downtown Manhattan is Madison Square Park which also has a wonderful playground and an outdoor library.

 NYC’s energetic public libraries also organize activities for babies and toddlers, and usually will share activities in advance. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan on the Upper West Side is a great choice for introducing your child to science.

 For other top activities, both indoors and out, for families and children, it’s hard to beat the Time Out New York Kids website. Other useful resources are:

 

(Updated October 2025)