New York City Has 186,000 Fewer Children and Teens Than It Did in 2020
New census numbers show the steepest drop in the city’s youngest age group in at least a decade as many families have left to live elsewhere.
By Winnie Hu and Troy Closson
Troy Closson
I am an education reporter at The New York Times, focusing on K-12 schools in New York City.
What I Cover
I write about schools, children and families in New York City, home to the largest public school system in the country. Disadvantaged students make up the vast majority of the population, and I try to examine the issues that affect them and the obstacles they face in education. I write about topics like reading and math, school segregation, early childhood education and the political forces that shape the system.
My Background
I joined The Times in 2020 as a member of its yearlong fellowship, a program for journalists early in their careers. I covered law enforcement and courts for about two years, and was named the National Association of Black Journalists’ Emerging Journalist of the Year in 2023.
I graduated from Northwestern University, where I was the editor of the student newspaper, The Daily Northwestern. I grew up in Laurel, Maryland, and now live in Brooklyn.
Journalistic Ethics
As a Times journalist, I uphold the standards outlined in our Ethical Journalism Handbook. I work hard to treat the people I write about fairly, and strive to be accurate and empathetic in my coverage. I do not donate to education advocacy groups or political campaigns. I protect confidential sources who need to protect themselves from retaliation. But I also carefully consider their credibility, and seek out verification or corroboration of their claims.
Contact Me
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: email, NYT tips or DM to get my number
Signal: email, NYT tips or DM to get my number
Anonymous tips: nytimes.com/tips
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CreditMatt Burkhartt for The New York Times 
CreditJames Estrin/The New York Times 
CreditNicole Craine for The New York Times 
CreditGabriela Bhaskar/The New York Times 
CreditMustafa Hussain for The New York Times
Latest
What Happened When Brooklyn Tried to Integrate Its Middle Schools
A new report found that many schools enrolled more racially and socioeconomically diverse groups of students without sparking a major exodus of families from public schools.
By Troy Closson
Is It Possible to Desegregate the Nation’s Biggest School System?
A major lawsuit against racial inequality in New York City’s public schools is moving forward. Already, local districts in the city were trying different measures to diversify schools.
By Troy Closson
More Black and Latino Students Admitted to New York’s Elite High Schools
The percentage of Black and Latino students in the eight schools increased modestly to 12 percent, the highest since 2013, but still far below the overall percentage of those students in schools.
By Troy Closson
As Misconduct Complaints Rise in N.Y.C. Schools, Investigations Decline
Budget constraints and staff shortages reduced capacity at the agency that investigates criminal behavior in public schools, according to the City Council.
By Troy Closson
New York City Removes Two Parents From School Councils Over Behavior
One parent led a push to review rules around transgender athletes. The other had encouraged pro-Palestinian student activism. The chancellor said their conduct at parent meetings crossed a line.
By Troy Closson
N.Y.C. Public Schools Will Send 8th Graders to Visit Holocaust Museum
New York City will give schools the option to send eighth-graders on field trips to the Museum of Jewish Heritage as part of an effort to address antisemitism.
By Emma G. Fitzsimmons
The Algebra Problem: How Middle School Math Became a National Flashpoint
Top students can benefit greatly by being offered the subject early. But many districts offer few Black and Latino eighth graders a chance to study it.
By Troy Closson
N.Y.C. Parents Rebuked for Questioning Transgender Student-Athlete Rules
Over a dozen Democratic elected officials criticized a parent group that asked for a review of rules that let students play on sports teams that align with their gender identity.
By Troy Closson
Free Preschool With One Catch: It May Be a Long Commute Away
Many New York City families counted on the prospect of free preschool, but hundreds were not immediately offered a seat and may have to travel across town to available spots.
By Troy Closson
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