Dear Families:
At New York City Public Schools (NYCPS), our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our students. We think carefully about how technology is used in our schools to make sure students are protected and that their focus is always on learning.
We’re reaching out with updates and reminders about how technology will be used in and out of your child’s classroom this year, so you know what to expect.
New Technology Policies
For the 2026–2027 school year, we are taking a thoughtful approach to student use of artificial intelligence (AI) and screens, with guidelines tailored to each grade level.
| Grade | Artificial Intelligence | Screen Time Limits |
|---|---|---|
|
2-K – 2 |
Not permitted to use student-facing generative AI |
No daily 1:1 screen time |
|
3 – 5 |
Recommended no more than 30 minutes of daily 1:1 screen time |
|
|
6 – 8 |
Recommended no more than 45 minutes of daily 1:1 screen time |
|
|
High School |
Limited, guided opportunities to learn about and use generative AI for specific approved purposes |
Daily 1:1 screen time will depend on their course and school |
These policies do not include the use of necessary tools for students with disabilities and English Language Learners (ELLs), or screen time associated with assessments, remote instruction days, or centrally approved instruction such as e-books and coding. To learn more about these policies, please visit schools.nyc.gov/AI.
Cell Phone and Personal Device Policy
Your child is not allowed to use personal internet-enabled electronic devices during the school day. This includes cell phones, laptops, and tablets. Your child’s school will share information about how they will store devices. Students will be able to continue to use their school-issued devices in accordance with our new screen time policy. Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/DevicePolicy.
Student Privacy
NYCPS is committed to keeping your child's personal details, academic records, and other sensitive information safe and secure. As an NYCPS parent or guardian, you have rights that help protect your child's personal and educational information. Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/StudentPrivacy.
Your Child’s NYCPS Student Account
Did you know your child automatically received an NYCPS account when they first enrolled in school? With their “@nycstudents.net” account, students can access platforms such as TeachHub, Google Classroom, iLearnNYC, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, and more!
NYCPS’s TeachHub platform connects students with NYCPS learning applications, all in one place! Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/TeachHub.
Your school will share the username and password for your student’s account. Learn more: schools.nyc.gov/StudentAccounts.
Please note: An NYCPS Student Account for students is different from a New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) for parents. You can find more information about NYCSA below.
Your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA)
NYCSA is a convenient way for you to check your child's grades, test scores, attendance, transportation and more online, all in one place! Don’t have a NYCSA yet? Visit schools.nyc.gov/NYCSASetUp to get started. Please note, starting later this school year, we are expanding NYCSA access so non-custodial parents or guardians will be able to create an account and see their child’s information without a waiting period. Learn more about what you can do with your account and upcoming changes at schools.nyc.gov/NYCSA.
Remote Learning
Remote learning will take place on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, and any time in-person learning is cancelled due to severe weather or other emergency circumstances. On remote learning days, students in kindergarten and above will participate in their classes from home. Children attending LYFE or a 3-K or Pre-K program in an elementary school or Pre-K Center should participate in the remote learning experiences outlined by their program.
To participate in remote learning, your child needs access to a computer, laptop, or tablet that can connect to the internet. If they don’t have one, you can request a NYCPS-loaned device from your school. Make sure your family is ready by visiting schools.nyc.gov/DigitalLearning for helpful information.