Comprehensive guide to New York's education system, from pre-K through higher education, serving 2.24 million K-12 students across the state
2024-25 School Year
NYC FY2025 - Highest in Nation
Serving 186,458 Students
2nd Highest Nationwide
The New York State Education Department operates as part of the University of the State of New York (USNY), one of the most complete, interconnected systems of educational services in the United States. Established by the Legislature in 1784 and continued in the State Constitution, NYSED is responsible for the general supervision of all educational activities within the state.
The FY 2024 Executive Budget recommended $43.9 billion for the State Education Department, an increase of $2.9 billion from the FY 2023 Enacted Budget. This historic investment includes:
New York State continues to expand access to Universal Pre-Kindergarten programs, though UPK is not currently available to all families in all districts.
The five large city school districts in New York are unique in governance and structure, operating as part of city government in municipalities over 125,000 population.
New York features numerous high-performing school districts, particularly in the Long Island and Westchester regions. These districts consistently rank among the best in the nation.
SUNY is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, providing access to quality higher education throughout New York State.
CUNY is the nation's leading urban public university, serving New York City with a network of senior colleges, community colleges, and graduate/professional schools.
New York faces significant teacher shortages in specific subject areas and geographic locations. State officials estimate the need for more than 180,000 new teachers in the next decade.
Students must achieve a score of 65 or higher on five Regents exams to earn a Regents diploma:
In November 2024, the Board of Regents announced significant changes to graduation requirements beginning with the 2027-28 school year.
New York is transitioning Regents exams to align with NYS Next Generation Learning Standards.
Children ages 3-21 with disabilities who live in New York State are eligible for special education services at no cost to parents.
Beginning in school year 2024-25, all students on the autism spectrum entering kindergarten in districts 5, 12, and 14 will be offered seats in high-demand, high outcome autism programs close to their homes.
Total Impact: 160 students served across three districts with expanded access to specialized autism programming near their homes.
Offers students of the same home language the opportunity to learn English while continuing academic content in their home language. Goal is transition to monolingual English classroom.
Students become bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural while improving academic ability. Typically 50% instruction in home language, 50% in target language.
English language development instruction taught by NYS-certified ESOL teacher. Serves ELL students from many different language backgrounds.
The FY 2024 Budget included historic education funding levels, making New York the state with the highest per-pupil spending in the nation.
Core funding formula ensuring minimum per-pupil support. Accounts for regional cost differences, student needs, and local wealth.
Targeted funding for special education, bilingual education, transportation, and other specific purposes.
Additional funding available through competitive processes for innovation, improvement, and specialized programs.
New York is classified as a high-regulation state for homeschooling by legal advocacy groups.
BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services) provide career and technical education programs throughout New York State, preparing students for high-skill, high-demand careers.
BOCES CTE programs focus on performance-based learning and industry-recognized credentials.
As of the 2024-25 school year, New York has approximately 2.24 million students enrolled in public schools (K-12). This includes traditional public schools, charter schools, and other public educational settings. The enrollment remained relatively stable, declining by only 0.06% (-1,451 students) from the previous year.
Additionally:
In New York City specifically, approximately 815,000 students are enrolled in K-12 public schools, with over 149,000 attending charter schools.
Current Requirements (Through 2026-27): Students must achieve a score of 65 or higher on five Regents exams to earn a Regents diploma. The required exams cover English Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, and one additional pathway option.
Major Change Starting 2027-28: Beginning with the 2027-28 school year, Regents exams will no longer be mandated as a condition for graduation. Students will still take the exams due to federal requirements, but passing scores will not be required for diploma eligibility.
Testing Schedule: Regents exams are administered three times per year (January, June, and August), with most exams consisting of a single three-hour testing period.
Standards Alignment: New York is transitioning to Next Generation Learning Standards, with the Algebra I exam being the first to align in June 2024, followed by other subjects in 2025-2026.
New York ranks 2nd in the nation for teacher salaries, with an average of $92,696 in 2024.
Statewide Salary Information:
New York City Specific:
Important Note: While New York offers competitive teacher salaries, the minimum living wage in the state is $69,433, which is $20,118 higher than the average teacher starting salary.
New York provides the most education funding per-pupil in the nation.
New York City Per-Pupil Spending:
Statewide Education Budget (FY 2024):
This substantial investment demonstrates New York's commitment to providing quality education and supporting diverse student needs across the state.
Charter schools are publicly funded, tuition-free schools that operate independently under a charter agreement. They have greater flexibility in curriculum and operations while maintaining accountability through performance-based renewal processes.
Statewide Charter School Statistics (2024-25):
New York City Charter Schools:
Charter schools use open enrollment with lottery systems when oversubscribed, and cannot have religious affiliations. Many focus on specific themes such as STEM, arts, or bilingual education.
SUNY (State University of New York):
CUNY (City University of New York):
Key Differences:
Both systems offer free application opportunities and pathways for New York high school students, with SUNY's Top 10% Promise Program providing direct admission for highest-achieving students.
New York is classified as a high-regulation state for homeschooling. The state has seen dramatic growth, with over 50,000 homeschoolers statewide (53,967 in 2023-24), representing a 178% increase over 10 years.
Initial Requirements:
Attendance & Instructional Hours:
Reporting Requirements:
Testing Requirements:
Families should carefully review all state requirements before beginning homeschooling in New York.
New York faces significant teacher shortages, with state officials estimating the need for more than 180,000 new teachers in the next decade.
Critical Shortage Areas:
Recent Trends:
Prospective teachers in these shortage areas may find enhanced opportunities, including signing bonuses, loan forgiveness programs, and expedited certification pathways.
NYC's Gifted and Talented (G&T) program has undergone significant changes, moving from test-based admissions to a lottery system based on report card performance.
Eligibility (2024 Process):
Application Process:
Program Types:
Recent Changes:
The system moved from test-based admissions to a lottery for eligible students based on report card grades, extending eligibility to fourth grade and significantly expanding the number of eligible students.
BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services) are regional educational service agencies that provide career and technical education programs, special education services, and other shared services to school districts across New York State.
Career & Technical Education (CTE) Programs:
Program Areas Include:
Recent Growth:
Examples of Regional BOCES:
BOCES programs prepare students for immediate entry into high-demand careers or provide a strong foundation for continued education at community colleges and universities.
Last updated on November 24, 2025