The city is launching new dual-language pre-kindergarten programs this fall at 26 locations around Queens.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza said the new programming will include the city’s first French, Haitian-Creole, Hebrew and Japanese pre-K.
“Building the fairest big city in America starts in every classroom. We believe every child deserves the same strong start, which is why we’re providing New Yorkers in every ZIP code with access to early childhood education,” de Blasio said. “By offering even more dual-language pre-K programs across the five boroughs, we’re readying our children for the global economy of the future.”
Dual language classes are comprised of 50 percent children whose home language is the target language of the program and 50 percent English-proficient students. Instruction is held in both languages, and students in pre-K Dual Language classes may continue on the Dual Language track in kindergarten and beyond.
“New York City’s youngest learners gain so much in 3-K and pre-K classrooms across the city, and I encourage all eligible families to apply,” Carranza said. “I’m also excited to announce that we’re opening 47 new Dual Language programs, where our students are learning to speak two languages — one of the greatest gifts there is. More New York City kids will get an early start on becoming multilingual, multicultural, and ready to succeed in our diverse world.”
In Queens, the pre-K dual language programs can be found at the following schools and pre-K centers:
- P.S. 19, Elmhurst – Spanish
- P.S. 29, College Point – Spanish
- P.S. 163, Flushing – Chinese
- P.S. 197, Far Rockaway – Spanish
- P.S. 112, Dutch Kills – Spanish
- P.S. 127 Aerospace Science Magnet School, East Elmhurst – Spanish
- Mi Nuevo Mundo, Corona/Woodside – Spanish
- Sesame Sprout, Corona – Spanish
- Charles R. Drew ELC 3, Queens Village – Spanish
- Little Friends School, Sunnyside – Spanish
- Long Island City YMCA – Spanish
- Kon Wah Day School, Flushing – Chinese
- Home Sweet Home Children’s School, Fresh Meadows – Chinese
- Atonement Preschool, East Elmhurst – Spanish
- Corona Friends, Corona – Spanish
- BWY Preschool, Jackson Heights – Spanish
- District 25 Pre-K Center, 123-07 22nd Ave., College Point – Spanish (expanding)
These schools currently have dual language programs:
- Elm Tree Elementary School, Corona – Spanish
- P.S./M.S. 138 Sunrise, Rosedale – Spanish
- P.S. 17 Henry David Thoreau, Astoria – Spanish
- P.S. 76 William Hallet, Long Island City – Spanish
- P.S. 222, Jackson Heights – Spanish
- P.S. 228 Early Childhood Magnet School of the Arts, East Elmhurst – Spanish
- Ezra Jack Keats Pre-K Center, 153-36 89th Ave., Jamaica – Bengali
- District 30 Pre-K Center, 96-10 23rd Ave., East Elmhurst – Spanish
- District 30 Pre-K Center, 32-52 37th St., Woodside – Spanish
All New York City families with children born in 2016 can apply for the 2019-20 school year; families residing in district will receive priority. Families can find their school district by calling 311 or visiting schools.nyc.gov/find-a-school.
“In partnership with the DOE, our Linking Immigrant Families with Early Childhood Education project continues to help immigrant families enroll in pre-K and 3-K across the city,” New York Immigration Coalition Executive Director Steven Choi said. “Our grassroots member organizations know first hand how important it is to immigrant families that their children have access to programs that celebrate their native language and cultural heritage. We applaud the DOE, on expanding these critical programs, which are vital to the success of our immigrant communities.”
