Starting a new school year can feel overwhelming for families, especially when homework starts piling up. New York City offers free tutoring and homework help for kids of all ages regardless of their immigration status.

UFT Dial-A-Teacher (K–12)

This free homework help service hotline is a collaboration between the United Federation of Teachers and the New York City Department of Education. Any New York City public school student or parent can call the phone line and be connected with a qualified teacher for one-on-one homework help. Many of the teachers are also bilingual, so they can assist in languages including Armenian, Bengali, Chinese, English, French, Haitian-Creole, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Tagalog.

Where? Contact the hotline at (212) 777-3380 or 311 to get connected.
When? Dial-a-Teacher is available Monday through Thursday between 4 and 7 p.m. when school is in session.

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Brainfuse-HelpNow

Brainfuse is a free online tutoring service provided by the New York Public Library (NYPL) and Brooklyn Public Library. The web platform offers live, one-on-one tutoring in various subjects, including math, science, reading, and writing, for students from early elementary through high school. The one-on-one tutors can speak English, French and Spanish.

In their website, they also have video content and other resources that walk students through topics such as math, reading and writing. There’s an online writing lab too where you can submit essays for constructive feedback. 

Where? To access this help, you have to log in to a Brainfuse account using your library card. Need a library card? Here’s how. If you need help applying, contact Ask NYPL. 
When? The virtual tutors are available from 2 to 11 p.m. every day, but you can access the online resources any time.

NYPL After School

NYPL After School is a free, drop-in program for children aged 6 to 12 that opens on September 29. Students can drop by to access homework help and fun activities, plus snacks!

When? Monday to Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m. when school is in session. 
Where? Various libraries across Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island. See the full list here.

COMPASS: In-person after-school programs

COMPASS NYC stands for Comprehensive After School System of New York City. It’s the city’s largest after-school program — and it’s free as it’s funded by the Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD).

This program provides daily homework help, tutoring, and academic enrichment for students in kindergarten through 5th grade. Students also get snacks, fun clubs and activities and field trips.

COMPASS is widely available throughout NYC, but not every public school hosts it. To confirm if your child’s school offers it, you can ask your child’s teacher or dial 311 and ask for assistance with the Comprehensive After School Program.

When? After school until around 6 p.m. every school day. Some COMPASS sites also offer holiday and summer programs.
Where? For applying, follow these steps: 

  1. Go to Discover DYCD → choose “Afterschool Programs” → Search by your ZIP code.
  2. Pick a site (at your school or nearby).
  3. Enroll by contacting the site listed — or ask your school’s principal/parent coordinator for the program application.
  4. For help, call DYCD Community Connect: 800-246-4646 / 646-343-6800.

Learn To Be

This is non-profit organization dedicated to providing free, one-on-one online tutoring to underserved students throughout the United States. The platform connects students with volunteer tutors for personalized academic support in math, writing and reading. 

Where? Visit their main website and click on enroll a student to fill out the online form. They will get back to you within two days. 
When? Once enrolling your child, the schedule will depend on the availability of the tutors.