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Explore NYC
Education & Libraries
Overview
Pre-K through High School
Higher Education
Libraries
The Columbia University Campus
The Columbia University Campus
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New York City attracts and nurtures the brightest, most curious minds with exceptional options for both school-age children and adults. From its large public school system and assortment of top private schools to its many colleges, universities and libraries, the City is truly a college town that also offers a wide range of other educational opportunities and resources for everyone.
OVERVIEW
New York City offers exceptional educational opportunities and resources for lifelong learning. Starting pre-kindergarten and continuing through high school, parents can choose from an array of public, private, or specialized schools for their children. The many colleges and universities throughout the boroughs offer undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. For business minds, adults can pursue certificate programs and take continuing education courses at any number of educational institutions. These educational opportunities work in concert to attract and maintain the City’s rich talent pool of workers.

Furthermore, the intellectually curious know that the City is an excellent place to find information on every topic imaginable. With over 209 public library branches, it’s easy to locate books and other literature within the vast New York City library system.
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PRE-K THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL

Students in the City have access to an unparalleled educational system able to match their individual interests, lifestyle and budget. Each of the five boroughs offers a diversity of options, including some of the country’s most prestigious private schools and highly-rated public schools, as well as specialty schools that concentrate on technology and performing arts. This, coupled with resources available throughout the City, like partnerships with museums, libraries, and other educational institutions, makes learning a uniquely enriching experience.

Strong Academic Performance
Academic performance in City schools has improved significantly in recent years. Numbers have been on the rise since 2003, when Mayor Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Joel Klein introduced the Children First reforms.

According to the 2007 National Assessment of Educational Progress Reports, 4th graders and 8th graders are now performing at or above the national average in math and reading. Specifically, 4th graders demonstrated a 12% gain since 2003 in the math exam, and 8th graders’ math performance improved 3% since 2005.

City Schools Earn High Marks
The 2007 Progress Reports of 1,224 of the City’s schools has other positive findings, based on an A (best) to F (worst) scale, including:

  • The majority of elementary and middle schools saw positive gains in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math proficiency (76.2% for ELA; 71.4% for Math)
  • Queens has a higher percentage of “A” elementary and middle schools than any other borough
  • Manhattan has the highest percentage of “A” high schools
GENERAL EDUCATION RESOURCES
New York City Parents League
Find information on over 285 independent schools and other resources for parents of school-age children in New York City.

NYC Department of Education
Find useful information for parents, teachers or students about NYC schooling from the City’s official Department of Education website.

NYC Department of Education – School Districts
Search the NYC DOE school directory to view a list of schools from various regions citywide.

Inside Public Schools
View this independent guide to New York City public schools created by a group of committed public school parents, children’s advocates, journalists and teachers dedicated to improving public education in New York City.
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HIGHER EDUCATION
Students Flock to New York City
Expanding educational horizons or furthering one’s career is possible at any one of the 113 colleges and universities in the City. About 470,000 students (roughly the population of Atlanta) are currently enrolled in higher education institutions throughout the boroughs. They sharpen skills in law, financial services, engineering, medicine, education, journalism, science, business management, design, fashion, music, cooking and more.

Continuing Education with Limitless Options
Many schools also offer continuing education coursework and business certification programs to those students not seeking a degree-granting program. Some, such as New York University, even offer educational classes and networking events designed specifically for senior citizens.

At any age and with any particular passion – whether it’s learning a new language, improving technology skills to move ahead or gaining insights into a new industry – New York City residents can find a school and program here to meet their needs and help them grow.
HIGHER EDUCATION RESOURCES
Listing of New York Universities
Find the websites for NY higher education schools through a directory created by University of Texas.

Crain’s Higher Education Directory
Peruse a list of graduate programs and contact information for higher education schools in New York City.
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LIBRARIES
Extensive Public Library System
The City has an expansive, in-depth library system that provides access to all types of information. With 209 local branches in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, the public library system offers more than 65 million books and other publications, as well as 400 electronic databases. City residents also have access to the system and a host of other services, such as reference and career help, and cultural and recreational programs. All it requires is a free membership card and a curious mind.

Explore Private Libraries
The City’s colleges, universities, and professional associations also have private libraries that students, faculty and researchers can access. Some schools, like Columbia University and New York University, even sell library memberships. The public can also gain limited access to private libraries through a “Metro” pass, issued by the Metropolitan New York Library Council. From the American Academy of Dramatic Arts to the landmark Morgan Library & Museum to Yeshiva University/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the City has an abundance of resources to explore a variety of subject areas.
LIBRARY RESOURCES
New York Public Library – Industry and Business Library
Find small business information, worldwide business directories and a list of business resources on the Web.

New York Public Library: Directory of Special Libraries and Information Centers
Look for libraries and information centers that cover disciplines and specialties.

The Brooklyn Public Library – Business Library
Visit the nation's largest library devoted to business. Industry studies, market research and demographic information are available through the free telephone reference line.

New York Public Library
Explore this rich, century-old institution, which offers free scholarly and community-oriented publications and services.

Queens Public Library
Visit the “world’s fourth busiest library system,” according to the Metropolitan New York Library Council. In 2006, Queens Public Library was the top U.S. public library circulator, loaning out 20.2 million items and breaking all national records.

Brooklyn Public Library
Learn a new language at the Multilingual Center or check out a book at any one of Brooklyn’s 60 public libraries.

METRO Member Directory
Search through the Metropolitan New York Library Council’s member directory for a private library that services the areas of interest to you.
 
RELATED LINKS

Health & Safety
Explore information about the City’s world-class healthcare and safety services.

Parks & Recreation
Find out more about the City’s open spaces and outdoor areas.

Culture & Entertainment
Learn about options for culture and entertainment in the City.

 
EXPLORE NYC

New York City Map
Explore our interactive map of the 5 boroughs to find project locations, incentive areas and zoning.

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