The Universal Pre-Kindergarten program (UPK) is a free pre-K program, funded by New York State, for four-year-old children who reside in the district. If you are a Saratoga Springs City School District resident, and your child will be 4 years old as of December 1 for the school year for which you are applying, you are eligible to apply for this program.
How To Apply for the Universal Pre-K Program
2024-2025 Registration begins on January 15, 2024 and is open until April 30, 2024. 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.
UPK Applications are accepted online through our secure SchoolTool Portal. Before you begin the registration process, please gather the following documents, and scan them to your device so you can upload them during the online registration process.
- Proof of date of birth: Please provide your child’s original birth certificate. If your child’s birth certificate is unavailable one of the following can be used for identification: passport or certified record of baptism.
- Two Proofs of Residency: Click here to view a list of acceptable documents.
Parent/guardian Photo Identification - Official Student Immunization Record, and most recent physical
- Custody Papers (if applicable; must be a signed copy)
- Once you have all your documents, click here to begin the online application.
Who runs the UPK classes?
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.
Where are the class locations and the hours of operation?
- UPK Full-day – Division Street Elementary School: 8:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m.
- UPK Full-day – Caroline Street Elementary School: 8:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m.
- UPK Full-day – Dorothy Nolan Elementary School: 8:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m.
- UPK Full-day – Geyser Road Elementary School: 8:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m.
- *LifeWorks, 3 Blue Streak Blvd., Saratoga Springs: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- *LifeWorks, 3180 Bockes Road, Greenfield Center: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- *LifeWorks, 29 Jefferson Street, Saratoga Springs: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- *LifeWorks, 310 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
*You must meet eligibility requirements to qualify for UPK at LifeWorks. Lifeworks is a free federally funded program run by the Saratoga County EOC for low-income pregnant women and children birth to age 5.
Frequently asked questions
Is transportation provided?
No. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent(s).
If I call right away will I be guaranteed a spot for my child?
No. The district does not have a first-come, first-served registration list.
How are children selected?
Student placement will be determined through the use of a lottery.
How will I be notified that my child was selected for the program?
The district will mail acceptance/declination letters to all families who submit a timely application.