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Protecting every child’s right to learn

Advocates for Children of New York has a singular vision: an equitable and inclusive school system where all students receive the education they need to maximize their potential as adults.

We fight for families

For more than 50 years, we have fought beside NYC families from under-resourced communities through a unique combination of services, all focused on protecting education rights and eliminating barriers to success so all students can thrive.
  • Michelle's Story

    Michelle, a 20-year-old from Haiti, emigrated after the earthquake, just one month short of finishing high school. Many schools were reluctant to accept her, given how little time she would be there, but AFC helped her understand her educational options.

    Pencils and rulers lying near an open notebook on a table.
  • Julian's Story

    When Julian's family first came to AFC, their son had been incorrectly labeled as speech and language impaired with a borderline IQ, although private testing indicated that he was functioning at a much higher level.

  • Kendall's Story

    Kendall graduated from Cooke’s high school in spring 2015, and with AFC's continued assistance, is beginning the transition to adulthood in Cooke's SKILLs (Skills and Knowledge for Independent Learning and Living) program, which helps young adults with disabilities build independent living and vocational skills.

    kendall school photo, kendall in costume

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