The South Colonie Colonie Central School District is pleased to share that the Board recently approved the 2023-24 budget which includes expanded UPK programming including two full-day classrooms at Forest Park and Veeder Elementary schools. Pending voter approval on May 16, this will be in addition to the current half day programs located at Roessleville and Saddlewood Elementary schools.
The half-day programs have the capacity for 144 students, and the full-day programs will allow for an additional 36 students, bringing in district opportunities to a total of 180 students.
Half-day consists of two and a half hours of programming and full-day will consist of five hours of programming. Both programs will have a staggered start time in comparison to the K-4 school day, to avoid traffic congestion. Please note transportation is not provided for either program.
Pending RFPs with collaborating community based programs, additional spots may become available, but that will not be known until mid June.
A lottery system will still continue to be used for both programs. The first 36 numbers drawn will have the option to select either the full-day program or half-day program, followed by the remaining numbers selected to fill any available full day slots or the half-day program. Please keep in mind that if chosen in the lottery, students are not guaranteed a specific school placement, only a seat at one of the programs.
Parents that have already registered for the lottery for the half day UPK program, may also now indicate their preference for the full day program if they choose. Simply fill out the form here: South Colonie UPK Program Preference Survey.
Parents that have not yet registered for any of the UPK programs should do so prior to May 17 at 4p.m. The lottery will take place on May 18 at 4 p.m. at the District Office.
For more information, please visit: https://www.southcolonieschools.org/academics/universal-pre-kindergarten-upk/.