Universal Pre-K

Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) provides developmentally appropriate activities to help four-year-olds prepare for Kindergarten. UPK is a program established and supported by the New York State Education Department, which partners with local school districts to provide a preschool experience for the children of eligible families. UPK is funded via Office of Early Learning grant allocations AND Clinton CSD’s dedicated local funding sources. All programs are contingent upon the approval of the District’s annual school budget each May. 

For the 2026-2027 school year, the Clinton Central School District will once again,  offer UPK. The program has a capacity of eighteen (18) students per classroom.  A random lottery will be held in March to determine which students receive a placement. Any student not selected is placed on a waiting list that will be activated should other students decline enrollment/move, and thus create an opening.  

The Clinton Central School District is offering Universal Pre-K (UPK) for the 2026-27 school year with partial funding from New York State. UPK is a free program open to children residing in the school district who will be four years old by December 1, 2026. 

Please note: Students that are age-eligible to enter traditional Kindergarten (5 years old by December 1, 2026) are not eligible for UPK.

Interested families should complete this interest form (UPK Lottery on the right) by 3 PM on February 6, 2026. Please note that completing the interest form does not guarantee enrollment.

Entry into the UPK class is determined by random lottery based on interest form submissions. Should the number of interested students exceed seats, a lottery will take place sometime Mid February to March.  Families will be notified by email of the lottery results.

More About Lottery Process

Once selected and notified, parents/guardians must complete all formal registration paperwork in order to officially register their students and retain the slot. Registration form, health office requirements, and other paperwork required to enroll in  UPK are linked on the side bar of this page. All application forms are also available in the main office of the Elementary School. These completed forms, along with proof of residency, an immunization record, and the child’s birth certificate, should be submitted to the Elementary Office by May 1st. Please note that incomplete forms and/or missing documentation may jeopardize program enrollment.

Prekindergarten is an important stage in early childhood education. It provides a strong foundation for future academic and personal success. Prekindergarten helps children develop social and emotional skills, such as sharing, taking turns, and cooperating with others. It also helps them build cognitive skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Prekindergarten programs often focus on play-based learning, which is a fun and engaging way for children to learn and explore. By attending prekindergarten, children are better prepared for kindergarten and beyond. They have a head start in developing  the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in school and in life

UPK Program Details