From Grades to Growth: Helping NYC Students Thrive
#GoBeyondGradesNYC
Setting Your Child Up for Success This Year
In New York City, 84% of parents believe their child reads at or above grade level, and 81% believe their child is at or above grade level in math.*
Yet, only 59% of NYC students actually are.**
Parents want to see their kids confident in reading and math - check out how you can help them build their skills.
Start the School Year Strong
Three Ways to Support Learning
CONNECT with your child’s teacher.
Reach out at the start of the school year to introduce yourself and begin building a strong partnership.
Protip:
You know your child best. Use the Dear Teacher letter to share what helps your child learn and where they might need extra support.
UNDERSTAND what your child is learning.
New York City Public Schools has updated its reading and math instruction through NYC Reads and NYC Solves. Understand what your child is expected to learn this year so you can better support them at home using the NYC Curriculum Finder Tool.
Protip:
Use Questions to Ask Your Child’s Teacher About Reading and Math to learn more about what your child is learning, whether they’re meeting grade-level expectations, and how you can reinforce those skills at home.
PLAN for what comes next.
Use parent-teacher conferences to go beyond the report card. Share what you know about your child: their strengths, goals, and interests. Then ask the teacher whether your child is meeting grade-level expectations in reading and math, and how you can work together to support their growth at school and home.
Protip:
Use the Parent Teacher Planning Tool during late-fall parent-teacher conferences to capture parent insights, map out specific focus areas, and co-create a roadmap for your child’s growth.
How to Support Your Child As They Grow?
Elementary School
(K-5th Grade)
Build a strong foundation in reading and math through NYC Reads and NYC Solves. Learn what grade-level expectations look like, ask about your child’s progress beyond report cards, and help establish strong attendance and learning habits from the start of the year.
Middle School
(6th-8th Grade)
As reading and math become more challenging, stay connected with your child’s teacher about their progress, the curriculum they are learning, and how to support learning at home. These years are an important time to build the skills and confidence needed for high school.
High School
(9th-12th Grade)
Help your teen prepare for life after graduation by staying informed about their academic progress and exploring college and career pathways together. Use the Paths to Success resource to learn about key milestones, postsecondary options, and planning for the future.
Check out one family’s story about the importance of going beyond grades.
Did You Know?
Featured Partner Resources
Check out these helpful resources from trusted local and national sources.
Discover expert tools, articles, and advice to support your child’s unique reading, math, and focus needs if they learn or think differently.
Find free NYC academic programs, tutoring supports, and family resources tailored directly to your child's local neighborhood and interests.
Check out these family-friendly guides for grade-by-grade tips on core learning areas, math skills, and homework strategies.
Missing just 2 days of school a month quickly sets a student behind in reading. Use these resources to learn more about the impact of missing school and address attendance barriers collaboratively.
Sources:
*Edge Research NYC Reads/NYC Solves New York City Parent/Caregiver Survey
**NYC Public Schools – New York State Report Card (Grades 3-8, SY 24-25)
***Learning and Thinking Differences: A Playbook for Schools, Service Providers & Advocates