ACADEMICS / PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM
Registration Requirements
Enrollment and transfer requirements for all public school students are as follows: birth certificate, last report card and transcripts from previous schools. Physician-signed immunization proof in the proper doses for DPT, polio, rubella, measles, mumps, hepatitis B, Hib, and varicella is necessary. A tuberculin skin test is also required for new students entering the public school system on the middle level. New students registering in New York for the first time must also have a physical exam including a blood lead test.
The New York State Department of Education mandate for youngsters beginning public school instruction is five years of age by December 31 of the current school year. However, the cut-off deadline may vary with individual school districts. Contact the specific school district where your child will be attending school for detailed information.
State of New York Education Department
A wealth of information about public education in New York is available from the New York State Education Department.
University of the State of New York
State Education Department
518-474-3852
www.nysed.gov
School Administration Structure
The administration hierarchy for the majority of New York State public school districts is anchored by county-level associations called BOCES, which stands for Board of Cooperative Educational Services. BOCES function as an extension of local school districts, providing a wide spectrum of instructional and administrative services at the request of local districts. Administered by a superintendent, the BOCES assists and empowers individual school districts by orchestrating the regional sharing of resources. New York City does not operate under the BOCES organization but divides its vast territory into regions, each with a Regional Superintendent.
Nassau BOCES
Administrative Center
71 Clinton Road
Garden City 516-396-2500
www.nassauboces.org
Eastern Suffolk BOCES
James Hines Administration Center
201 Sunrise Highway
Patchogue 631-289-2200
www.esboces.org
Western Suffolk BOCES
507 Deer Park Road
Huntington Station 631-549-4900
www.wsboces.org
Charter Schools
Charter Schools may be found throughout the state, providing parents, teachers, and community leader a chance to forge new and better ways to receive a public education. These schools operate with freedoms associated with private institutions but are public and charge no tuition. For information on charter schools or special programs in your area, contact the appropriate office:
Charter School Information
Public School Choice Programs
New York State Department of Education
518-474-1762
www.p12.nysed.gov/psc
