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It’s time to step out of January’s shadow.

Now that February’s here, we’ve reached the halfway point of the 2020–21 school year for NYC public schools—can you believe it? It’s almost like the first half of the school year snuck past us all while we weren’t looking!

Fortunately, we’re not going to let February 2021 creep up on any of you readers, especially since there’s a lot packed into this month that is of great interest to NYC public school families. Between two major admissions deadlines, a number of family support events, and even a week-long recess, February is set to be a milestone month for City students and their families in 2021. And the best part—we won’t need Staten Island Chuck to help you see what’s coming in the weeks ahead!

So without further ado, here’s a look at what is happening in NYC public schools in February 2021, courtesy of our official 2020-2021 NYC Public Schools Calendar.


EDITOR’S NOTE: Dates, times, and details listed below are subject to change; please visit the DOE’s main website and Twitter feed for the latest updates.

EDITOR’S NOTE (2/1): Due to severe weather conditions, all NYC school buildings are closed on Monday, February 1, and Tuesday, February 2. All students who are supposed to be in attendance during the Professional Development Day on February 1 are expected to log onto their classes remotely. On February 2, all students in all grade levels are receiving remote instruction. Read more about it here on The Morning Bell.

EDITOR’S NOTE (2/9): We’ve updated this calendar to reflect the DOE’s new deadlines for NYC’s 2021 middle and high school applications. The NYC Middle School Application is now due on Tuesday, February 23, while the NYC High School Application is now due on Monday, March 1, 2021. In addition, we’ve inserted an opening date for this year’s Pre-K Admissions process—February 24, 2021.

EDITOR’S NOTE (2/26): The CCEC application deadline has now been extended to Thursday, March 4, 2021. The calendar below has been updated to reflect this change.

NYC Schools Calendar — February 2021

Monday, February 1
Professional Development Day—High Schools (Grades 9–12) and Grade 6–12 schools

No classes for students in these schools.

NOTE: Students in K–5, K–6, 6–8, and K–12 programs are still in attendance. All District 75 schools and programs remain in attendance.

Monday, February 1
2021 New York City Education Council Election Application Opens

NYC parents with students in public schools can apply to run for seats on NYC Education Councils.

Tuesday, February 2

7:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

Teaching Reading for Families (Digital Event)

Learn how to help build your child's English literacy at home with this webinar in support of families of children with disabilities.

Online registration is recommended for event participation.

Wednesday, February 3

5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

Transition and College Access Center (TCAC) Office Hours for Families

Virtual office hour sessions for families seeking support for students with disabilities who are transitioning into adult/postsecondary programs.

Friday, February 5
Last Day to Take the DOE's Fall 2020 School Experience Survey
Fri., Feb. 5 – Thurs., Feb. 11
Respect for All Week
Tuesday, February 9

7:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

Social/Emotional Learning for Families (Digital Event)

Learn how to help your children cope with distress during the COVID-19 pandemic with this webinar in support of families of children with disabilities.

Online registration is recommended.

Wednesday, February 10
Last Day to Apply for STEM Matters NYC Programs
Wednesday, February 10

5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

Transition and College Access Center (TCAC) Office Hours for Families

Virtual office hour sessions for families seeking support for students with disabilities who are transitioning into adult/postsecondary programs.

Friday, February 12
Lunar New Year

Schools Closed

Mon., Feb. 15–Fri., Feb. 19
Midwinter Recess

Schools Closed

Tuesday, February 23
Last Day to Submit Middle School Applications
Tuesday, February 23

7:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

Executive Functioning for Families (Digital Event)

Learn how families can help their children strengthen their executive cognitive functions with this webinar in support of families of children with disabilities.

Online registration is recommended.

Wednesday, February 24
2021 NYC Pre-K Application Opens
Wednesday, February 24

5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

Transition and College Access Center (TCAC) Office Hours for Families

Virtual office hour sessions for families seeking support for students with disabilities who are transitioning into adult/postsecondary programs.

Sunday, February 28
Last Day to Submit Applications for the 2021 NYC Education Council Elections

For NYC parents with students in public schools.

Some notes about this month’s schedule:

Black History Month

Throughout February, the NYC Department of Education will highlight books, events, movies, and other resources in support of Black History Month. Join us as we commemorate Black History Month throughout February on social media (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram), our main website, and right here on The Morning Bell!

Middle School Admissions

Families with children in fifth grade or in sixth grade in a K–6 school can apply for admission to the City’s middle schools (grades 6–8) for the 2021–22 school year until Tuesday, February 23, 2021. Learn more about middle school admissions by visiting our official Middle School page or by reviewing our prior coverage right here on The Morning Bell.

High School Admissions

Students seeking admissions to NYC high schools for the 2021–22 school year can submit their high school applications until Monday, March 1, 2021. Students who are interested in applying to the City’s audition high schools (including the specialized high school, Fiorello H. LaGuardia H.S.) also have until Monday, March 1 to register for auditions. Learn more about high school admissions by visiting our official High School page or by checking out our previous coverage on The Morning Bell.


And that’s all for February! For the latest info about NYC public schools, subscribe to The Morning Bell below and follow us on Twitter and Facebook

On behalf of the NYC Department of Education, we hope everyone has a great month!

Groundhog standing while munching on a carrot with its two top paws


Banner Photo by Aaron J. Hill. Used under Creative Commons license. Original can be found on Pexels.

Official blog for the NYC Department of Education, home of a million students across 1,800+ schools

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