Schools are places or systems for learning or education and may be physical locations composed of a building or a campus that includes multiple buildings. Schools may also be virtual or online institutions that offer educational experiences and degrees. Schools are usually physical locations for children in grades 1-12, as well as kindergarten and pre-kindergarten (pre-K) classes.
In New York State, schools are regulated by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), which oversees all public schools and has guidelines for private and charter schools. Public schools provide education from kindergarten through 12th grade, and the state mandates that all children between the ages of 6 and 16 attend school, with some exceptions for older students who meet certain criteria. Pre-kindergarten (pre-K) programs are also available and are increasingly being offered by school districts, with a focus on early childhood education. New York has been expanding access to full-day pre-K. Additionally, virtual or online schools fall under the purview of the NYSED, and they must meet specific standards to ensure that the education provided is equivalent to that of a traditional school setting. These online institutions can offer courses and degrees that are recognized by the state. The state also has regulations in place to accommodate homeschooling for families who choose to educate their children outside of the traditional school system.