The Definitive Guide to New York Education & Parenting

Freeport MS Football Player Jaison Gentles

Justin G. Aug 3, 2026

Before Tryouts: What Changed on New York's Sports Clearance Form and What Did Not

New York deleted two things from student-athlete clearance on July 29: a redundant medical-director signature and the Tanner Sexual Maturity Rating. The physical is still required, the state form still has a Tanner box, and fall tryouts start in weeks.

Preschool teacher in classroom with students

Parent Support

Justin G. Aug 3, 2026

One Curriculum for Every Toddler Is Over: What New York Parents Should Watch Next.

New York City just ended its rule forcing nearly every preschool onto one curriculum. The mandate-versus-choice fight behind it is coming to districts statewide.

teacher sitting at a table with a kindergarten student working on reading

News & Updates

Justin G. Jul 31, 2026

New York Wants to Rewrite How Teachers Learn to Teach Reading: The Fix Arrives in 2028

New York would require teacher colleges to adopt the science of reading, but the change will not reach classrooms until 2028. Here is what it means and what families can do now.

Parent Support

Justin G. Jul 30, 2026

Howard University Debacle: New York Opens a Side Door for 500 Stranded Students

New York told SUNY and CUNY to catch 500-plus students Howard dropped over deadlines. The rescue is real, and so is the lesson for every family.

a student handing his cellphone to a school security guard

News & Updates

Justin G. Jul 29, 2026

New York's Phone Ban Cleared Year One: This Fall Is the Real Exam

New York's school phone ban is a year old and no longer up for debate. This fall brings the first data on whether it works, and for whom.

News & Updates

Justin G. Jul 28, 2026

The Building Is Part of the Problem: What New York's Chronic Absenteeism Data Really Shows

New York's chronic absenteeism rate is climbing again, split sharply by race, disability, and housing status. New research adds a second suspect: failing HVAC systems and moldy buildings.

Parent Support

Justin G. Jul 28, 2026

New York Poured Billions Into Child Care, But In Dozens of Counties, the Waitlist Never Moved

Albany added a record $1.2 billion to child care this year, yet the voucher waitlist still hasn't budged in dozens of New York counties heading into fall.

New York State Education Building, Albany NY

News & Updates

Justin G. Jul 27, 2026

New York Spends the Most on Schools in America. It Also Has 12 Percent Fewer Students to Teach.

New York has led the nation in per-student school spending for nineteen straight years, even as enrollment keeps falling. Here is a full, data-driven look at where the money comes from, where it goes, and why the results still lag the price tag.

Parent Support

Justin G. Jul 27, 2026

The End of the Regents as You Knew It: What New York's New Diploma Means for Your Kid

New York is phasing out Regents exams for a competency-based diploma. The Class of 2027 is the last required to pass. Here is what every NY parent should do now.

The Playbook

Simone P. Jul 26, 2026

10 Things Every Student Can Learn From LeBron James, No Basketball Required

LeBron James just took a pay cut at 41 to chase what he loves. Here are 10 life lessons from his career that have nothing to do with basketball, and how to actually practice them in school.

News & Updates

Justin G. Jul 24, 2026

New York's School Safety Report Has Two Headlines But Only One Holds Up

New York's newest school safety report shows bullying and drug incidents rising past pre pandemic levels, even as serious violent incidents nearly vanish, mostly because the state redefined what counts as one.

a parent and teenager comparing two pairs of sneakers

Parent Support

Justin G. Jul 23, 2026

The New Back-to-School Budget: What Families Are Really Spending in 2026

Families expect to spend an average of $863.86 per K-12 student this year, but the real back-to-school budget runs from August through June, not just one shopping trip. Here is where the money actually goes, and how families, especially in New York, can budget smarter.

Howard University Debacle: New York Opens a Side Door for 500 Stranded Students

New York Poured Billions Into Child Care, But In Dozens of Counties, the Waitlist Never Moved

New York Spends the Most on Schools in America. It Also Has 12 Percent Fewer Students to Teach.

The Standard NY Resource Center