Schools/Day Care
Day Care: Columbia University Medical Center is affiliated with several day care programs. Learn more about day care programs.
Places for babies and toddlers/pre-schoolers to take classes: Most have multiple locations throughout NYC and Brooklyn
Pre-School: There are no public pre-schools in NYC. There are a few public schools that have Universal pre-K but these have long waiting lists. Check out the website for the NYC School System.
Public School:
- You are entitled to go to your district zoned public school for a list visit NYC Department of Education website
- Gifted and talented programs are district-based and begin in either kindergarten or first grade, depending on the district or borough. Your child can apply to the gifted and talented program. Click here for instructions.
- There are a few special schools like Hunter which have a special application process the information can be found at the above website as well.
Private School: There are multiple private schools in Manhattan. To apply your child will need to take the ERB usually offered at his/her pre-school or at a school in the area.
Things to Do With Kids
Great places to take kids in NYC: Children's Museum of Manhattan, newly renovated Brooklyn Children's Museum, Museum of Natural History, The Jewish Museum, Central Park Zoo, Bronx Zoo, Coney Island Aquarium, Wolman Rink/Victoria Gardens in Central Park, multiple playgrounds in both Riverside and Central Park, Metropolitan Museum of Art (Temple of Dendur is a great place to let kiddies run around on cold winter days), Chelsea Piers, Liberty Science Center.
