If your child didn't get the kindergarten spot you asked for, try to stay calm. Waitlists at schools move over the spring and summer. We have seen it happen year after year. Children get offers on a rolling basis as families make final choices. Hang in there.

The city sent out offers for kindergarten seats on April 5, 2022. In many cases, the waitlists clear by summer as families make decisions and opt for other choices. Waitlists will remain open through the early fall.

Your child is automatically placed on waitlists for all the choices above the one you got. Our advice: Email the parent coordinator at the school you like best. Stay in friendly touch. Be easy to reach.

You may accept your child’s kindergarten offer on MySchools if you applied online, or through the school directly. The deadline to accept is May 6, 2022.

Accepting a spot won't keep you from getting an offer at a school where you are waitlisted or from a charter school, but if you do not accept by May 6, you give up your seat. Admissions letters from charters come later in the year. The fate of gifted and talented has been in limbo, but NYC School Chancellor David Banks has promised news about gifted and talented programs soon.

Once you've accepted your offer you'll work with the school to complete registration by providing your child's birth certificate and immunization records, and proof of residence (a lease or electric bill).

Meanwhile, read our school profiles and check the “School Stats” section to learn more. You may discover alternatives that are acceptable. Otherwise, take a breath and give waitlists time.

For more information, visit the Kindergarten page at the Department of Education website.