New York City Schools Launch 2025 Year with Phone Ban, Smaller Classes, and Safety Upgrades
Nearly one million students return to classrooms under new policies aimed at reducing distractions, expanding opportunities, and protecting students.
The New York City Public Schools system, the largest in the United States, has kicked off its new academic year by welcoming nearly one million students with sweeping new policies designed to reshape the learning environment.
The most significant change is the citywide ban on student cell phones during school hours, effective from the first bell to the last. Signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul, the measure aims to minimize distractions and encourage greater focus and engagement in classrooms. Education leaders believe the shift will improve academic outcomes and foster stronger face-to-face interaction among students and teachers.
United Federation of Teachers (UFT) president Michael Mulgrew acknowledged that the transition will take time, predicting smoother adaptation by Thanksgiving. Schools have been tasked with creating clear protocols for emergencies, safe device storage, and consistent communication with families. Exceptions remain for students with specific needs.
Expanding Education Access
Beyond the phone ban, New York City is opening seven new schools, including the long-awaited HBCU Early College Preparatory High School, which provides students with an accelerated pathway to higher education. Mayor Eric Adams and Schools Chancellor Melissa Avilés-Ramos personally greeted students, emphasizing the city’s investment in future opportunities.
Reducing Class Sizes
In compliance with a new state law mandating smaller classrooms by 2028, the city is scaling down class sizes. This year, about 60% of classrooms are expected to meet updated standards:
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20 students maximum in early grades
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23 in grades 4–8
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25 in high school
The effort requires hiring thousands of additional teachers, representing one of the largest educational workforce investments in city history.
Enhancing School Safety
Student safety remains a top priority. Mayor Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch unveiled a robust school safety plan, deploying hundreds of NYPD officers at key school corridors and transportation routes. The increased presence is designed to provide students with a safe environment as they travel and learn each day.
This holistic approach—combining academic focus, institutional growth, and student protection—marks one of the most ambitious overhauls in New York City’s public education system in decades.
