Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK)
Lottery Information for the 2027-2028 School Year
2027-2028 UPK Lottery
| Applications Open October 1, 2026 |
Application Deadline January 15, 2027 |
Completing the Lottery Application does not guarantee a seat in the program or commit your family to participation. All Lottery Applications will be reviewed after the submission deadline.
ACCESS LOTTERY APPLICATION HERE
Lottery closes for submissions on January 15, 2027.
Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program
The Somers Central School District runs a Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Program for 4-year-olds who reside in the Somers School District. The program is housed in Primrose Elementary School, which is also our K-2 building.
This opportunity is made possible through New York State's Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) grant program.
The program will follow the 2027-2028 Somers school calendar and operate from 8:30 a.m. to 1 :30 p.m. on school days. The instructional portion of the program, which is subsidized by state funds, is free to families.
How to Apply
To be considered for this opportunity, families must complete the Lottery Application Form, which will open on October 1, 2026, or contact Elizabeth Turner, Director of Learning-Elementary, by Friday, January 15, 2027.
Completing the Lottery Application does not guarantee a seat in the program or commit you to participation.
Because there is not enough space for every 4-year-old who resides in the district to attend the UPK Program, students are chosen by random lottery.
The UPK lottery is open on a rolling basis until January 15 of the year a child would potentially be enrolled. Information about the lottery is published in the local paper, weekly emails to families in the district's four schools, the school website,
and the local library beginning in the fall of the preceding year.
Eligible Applicants
- The child must reside within the Somers Central School District boundaries.
- Children must turn 4 years old on or before December 1st of the enrollment school year.
If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available seats, the District will conduct a random selection process, as required by the NYS Education Department.
Important Program Details
Hours
8:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M., following Somers Central School District calendar
Tutition
No cost for the instructional program (8:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M.).
Meals
Yes, lunch is funded by The Universal Free Meals Program in New York State. Breakfast will not be provided.
Curriculum
Scholastic Pre-K On My Way, along with Heggerty and Fundations Pre-K literacy programs used by K-2 students.
Location
Primrose Elementary School
After-Care
Additional after-care will be made available by the YMCA at an additional cost, pending available space.
Transportation
Parents are responsible for all transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible to apply?
- Where will the program take place?
- What are the hours of the program?
- Is there a cost to families?
- Is extended care available?
- Will transportation be provided?
- Who operates the program?
- What curriculum will be used?
- Will instructors be certified teachers?
- Will meals be provided?
- Does completing the Lottery Application obligate a family to commit to a seat if selected?
- What happens if my child is not selected in the lottery?
Who is eligible to apply?
Where will the program take place?
What are the hours of the program?
Is there a cost to families?
Is extended care available?
Will transportation be provided?
Who operates the program?
What curriculum will be used?
Will instructors be certified teachers?
Will meals be provided?
Does completing the Lottery Application obligate a family to commit to a seat if selected?
What happens if my child is not selected in the lottery?
