We are excited to share that the Saratoga Springs City School District will open registration in January for our 2024-2025 Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Programs. UPK programs offer a tuition-free preschool experience to help prepare our youngest learners to enter kindergarten. To be eligible for UPK, your child must turn 4 on or before December 1, 2024.
Universal Pre-Kindergarten Full-Day Program
The Saratoga Regional YMCA manages our UPK Programs in partnership with our school district. Certified UPK teachers provide a fun and safe learning experience to meet the needs of each child using the NYS Core Standards. The Full-day programs will be held at Caroline Street Elementary School, Division Street Elementary School, Dorothy Nolan Elementary School, and Geyser Road Elementary School. The school day runs Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., following the SSCSD school calendar. Meals are provided by the school district unless families opt to provide food from home.
LifeWorks Head Start Program
LifeWorks Head Start offers services to families in Saratoga County whose income is at or below the federal poverty guidelines. The Head Start Program provides full-day classrooms at multiple locations across the district. Head Start uses a research-based, early childhood curriculum to prepare children for kindergarten. In addition, LifeWorks supports the whole family, not just the children enrolled in the program. For more information visit https://www.lifeworksaction.org/head-start-programs/, or call (518) 288-3206.
Registration Information
Registration begins on January 15, 2024 and is open until April 30, 2024. UPK Applications are accepted online through our secure SchoolTool Portal. During the application process, you will be asked to choose your preference for locations. In addition, you will be required to provide proof of residency, proof of student’s age (birth certificate), and physical and immunization records.
It is important to note that an application does not guarantee a placement in a UPK or Lifeworks Head Start Program. After applications have been processed, children will be placed in sites in the spring. If the number of applications is greater than the number of spots available, there will be a UPK Lottery on May 15. The lottery consists of a randomly assigned number generator to provide the fairest opportunity for placement. All families will be informed if they have received a spot and asked to confirm their placement by the end of May.
We look forward to working with you and your children this coming fall. If you have any questions, please contact the curriculum office at (518) 583-4725.