Parents who like to hash things out across a tiny classroom desk might want to test their webcams. New York City Public Schools will default to remote parent-teacher conferences for the 2025-2026 school year, with in-person meetings available only if families ask for them. The shift affects roughly 1.1 million students and staff in more than 1,600 schools and will shape how half days and early dismissals work on conference dates.
What the city posted
In a post on X, NYC Public Schools said that parent-teacher conferences "will be conducted remotely for the 2025-2026 school year" and that schools "may, upon request, arrange an in-person conference." The March 12, 2026 post tells families who want to meet face to face to contact their child’s school to set up a time.
DOE guidance and logistics
According to the Department of Education, parent-teacher conferences will generally be held remotely for 2025-2026, with the option for schools to arrange in-person meetings when families request them. The guidance also explains that on days with afternoon conferences, students are dismissed three hours earlier than usual, and that evening conferences typically run from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Union guidance and staffing
The United Federation of Teachers states that evening parent-teacher conferences will be conducted remotely this year. The union notes that staff cannot be required to attend in-person evening conferences unless a school negotiates a School-Based Option (SBO) that changes the arrangement. Its guidance also lays out default conference dates and scheduling rules that schools and staff are expected to follow.
When conferences are set
The Department of Education 2025-26 calendar memo lists the standard conference dates by school type. Elementary school conferences are set for March 5, middle schools and District 75 for March 12, and high schools for March 18, although individual schools can choose different dates. Families are advised to check their own school’s announcements for exact schedules and any local changes.
Families who prefer an in-person meeting should contact their child’s school to request one. The school is expected to find a mutually agreeable time and can provide interpretation services if needed. For dates and school-specific information, parents should follow school communications and consult the official Department of Education calendar.
