New York City public school enrollment drops 19% since 2014

New York City public school enrollment has declined by approximately 187,000 students, a 19% decrease, since the 2013-14 school year. According to a report released by City Comptroller Mark Levine, the 2025-26 school year saw the steepest drop since the pandemic, with enrollment falling by nearly 22,000 students.

Several factors contribute to this decline, including falling birthrates and the high cost of living in the city, which affects the ability of young families to remain in the area. Projections suggest enrollment could decrease by an additional 128,000 students over the next decade.

While total numbers are falling, the demand for specialized services is rising. The report notes an increase in students with disabilities, non-English speakers, and those facing housing insecurity, with 14% of students living in temporary or unstable housing. Significant enrollment declines were observed in Manhattan's Upper East Side, Lower East Side, parts of the Bronx, and Central Brooklyn.