Pre-Kindergarten

Welcome to 2012-13 Pre-Kindergarten Admissions!

Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) programs provide a nurturing environment where children’s natural curiosity is used as a springboard to learn skills that are necessary for success in school. In pre-kindergarten, children learn how to share, take turns and work in groups. They also develop the skills that form the foundation for reading, writing, and mathematics.

All UPK programs are free of charge. Programs can be half-day or full-day; half-day programs may take place in the morning or afternoon. UPK programs are available at select New York City Department of Education (DOE) public schools and at many community-based organizations (CBOs). CBOs are independent groups that contract with the Department of Education to provide pre-kindergarten programs and other services to families.

Eligibility: Children born in 2008 who reside in New York City are eligible to participate in UPK programs that are offered by the New York City Department of Education in the 2012-13 school year.

How to Apply

Public School UPK Programs: If you are interested in sending your child to a public school pre-kindergarten program, you must submit an application through the centralized admissions process in order to gain admission for September 2012. The 2012-13 pre-kindergarten admissions process begins on March 5. Pre-k directories and applications will be available in early March.

CBO UPK Programs: CBO programs manage their own application process. If you are interested in a CBO program, contact the CBO directly to ask about seat availability and enrollment. For more information about community-based programs near you, contact an Early Childhood Education field office.

Email Updates: Sign up to receive email updates about pre-kindergarten admissions.

Questions: If you have questions about pre-kindergarten admissions, call (718) 935-2009.

Visit the Pre-Kindergarten Calendar and Events page to see important dates and deadlines.

About Us Academics Choices & Enrollment New Students Pre-Kindergarten Calendar and Events Publications Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Other Ways to Graduate Adult & Continuing Education Special Programs Public School Choice Summer School Career and Technical Education Schools in the Community Offices & Programs Rules & Policies Student Support, Safety & Activities Performance & Accountability	Pre-Kindergarten Welcome to 2012-13 Pre-Kindergarten Admissions! Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) programs provide a nurturing environment where children’s natural curiosity is used as a springboard to learn skills that are necessary for success in school. In pre-kindergarten, children learn how to share, take turns and work in groups. They also develop the skills that form the foundation for reading, writing, and mathematics. All UPK programs are free of charge. Programs can be half-day or full-day; half-day programs may take place in the morning or afternoon. UPK programs are available at select New York City Department of Education (DOE) public schools and at many community-based organizations (CBOs). CBOs are independent groups that contract with the Department of Education to provide pre-kindergarten programs and other services to families. Eligibility: Children born in 2008 who reside in New York City are eligible to participate in UPK programs that are offered by the New York City Department of Education in the 2012-13 school year. How to Apply Public School UPK Programs: If you are interested in sending your child to a public school pre-kindergarten program, you must submit an application through the centralized admissions process in order to gain admission for September 2012. The 2012-13 pre-kindergarten admissions process begins on March 5. Pre-k directories and applications will be available in early March. CBO UPK Programs: CBO programs manage their own application process. If you are interested in a CBO program, contact the CBO directly to ask about seat availability and enrollment. For more information about community-based programs near you, contact an Early Childhood Education field office. Email Updates: Sign up to receive email updates about pre-kindergarten admissions. Questions: If you have questions about pre-kindergarten admissions, call (718) 935-2009. Visit the Pre-Kindergarten Calendar and Events page to see important dates and deadlines.