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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026
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AI in Schools / The Visual Edition / Story 04

NYC limits student generative AI use by grade

The 2026–27 directive restricts student-facing generative AI in grades 2K–8. The directive limits high school use to approved, vetted programs.

Formative Spaces · Research reviewed October 6, 2026

NYC limits student generative AI use by grade. The 2026–27 directive restricts student-facing generative AI in grades 2K–8. The directive limits high school use to approved, vetted programs. The directive covers student-facing generative AI in New York City public schools during the 2026–27 school year. Grades 2K–8. The directive prohibits student-facing generative AI. Accessibility exceptions apply. Document status: District policy. Grades 9–12. Only approved, vetted programs qualify. The described career-readiness uses require teacher supervision within career-readiness coursework. Document status: District policy. Accessibility across grades. IEP/504 assistive technology is exempt. Other necessary tools remain available for students with disabilities and English language learners. Document status: District policy. The directive includes accessibility exceptions. This chart cannot determine whether a specific product or individual accommodation qualifies.
The directive includes accessibility exceptions. This chart cannot determine whether a specific product or individual accommodation qualifies.

Key findings

The directive sets different limits for younger students and high school students. Accessibility exceptions apply across grades.

These limits apply to NYC public schools. They do not establish a statewide rule or prohibit all technology. High school approval does not permit every tool or use. The source gives a school year without an exact effective day.

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Chart data and sources

grade pathways. The directive covers student-facing generative AI in New York City public schools during the 2026–27 school year.

Text and values represented in this visual
StudentsUse limitsEvidence
Grades 2K–8District policyThe directive prohibits student-facing generative AI. Accessibility exceptions apply.New York City Public Schools: Student-facing AI and screen-time policy
Provision references
  • nyc-ai-2026-27-8065ca4c14e4-a0
Grades 9–12District policyOnly approved, vetted programs qualify. The described career-readiness uses require teacher supervision within career-readiness coursework.New York City Public Schools: Student-facing AI and screen-time policy
Provision references
  • nyc-ai-2026-27-8065ca4c14e4-a1
  • nyc-ai-2026-27-8065ca4c14e4-a4
Accessibility across gradesDistrict policyIEP/504 assistive technology is exempt. Other necessary tools remain available for students with disabilities and English language learners.New York City Public Schools: Student-facing AI and screen-time policy
Provision references
  • nyc-ai-2026-27-8065ca4c14e4-a2

The directive includes accessibility exceptions. This chart cannot determine whether a specific product or individual accommodation qualifies.

Sources & Notes

  1. Guidance on Artificial Intelligence and Screen Time

    New York City Public Schools · Source checked October 6, 2026

    • Grades 2K–8: Student-Facing AI Moratorium
    • AI and Screen Time Policy Updates
    • About Exceptions
    • Grades 9–12 — Career Readiness
    Reviewed record and version →
Release and evidence identity

Research release 2026-10-06-875e416b4116. Headlines and comparisons use this reviewed release. A changed record requires a new editorial review.

Source projection SHA-256: 9cd6a4996022129f1a1a1060c399a65f12c8f18bc7774fea67463c4d0dd981eb

  • nyc-ai-2026-27 / q13: 8065ca4c14e4a4c2006240db676bac63657eb202ff7ea09c1c1705a2dacb00f2

Public policy data for this release (JSON) · Collection and coverage notes

Citation

Formative Spaces, “NYC limits student generative AI use by grade,” AI in Schools: The Visual Edition, research release 2026-10-06-875e416b4116, reviewed October 6, 2026. https://www.formativespaces.com/topics/classroom-ai/visuals/nyc-grade-pathways