We are pleased to share that the Saratoga Springs City School District is accepting applications for our 2023-2024 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, 2023. The district offers multiple UPK options, and each option is explained below.
Saratoga Regional YMCA Full-Day and Half-Day Programs
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. Currently, the district offers the following full-day and half-day programs:
- Full-Day: The Full-day programs are held in a district elementary school building. There are three locations projected to be offered during the 2023-2024 school year, for a total of 54 spots. Full-day program locations will be listed on the UPK application. The 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.
- Half-Day: The half-day program is held at the SRYMCA, West Ave location. This is a morning class that runs Monday-Friday from 9 -11:30 a.m., following the SSSCSD school calendar.
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
Applications for UPK will be accepted until April 30, 2023. Please visit the UPK section of the website. During the application process, you will be asked to choose your preference for programs and sites. You will be required to provide proof of residency, proof of student’s age (birth certificate), and physical and immunization records. These may be collected again in the fall, so please keep a copy on hand.
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.
We look forward to working with you and your children this coming fall. If you have any questions, please see the above contact information for the program of your interest.