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The archdiocese has been awarded additional free Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) seats at 33 of its schools, adding 1,300 new seats to existing and new programs at elementary schools in Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island, as well as in Westchester, Rockland, Ulster, Sullivan and Orange counties for the 2014-2015 academic year.
UPK is pre-k education for 4-year-olds, available at no cost, regardless of household income. Offered in partnership with New York State and the local public school district, UPK is designed to help more children begin their education at an early age and get a solid start on the road to active learning.
“Pre-kindergarten is a critical time when your curious child can become an active, interested student who looks forward to going to school. The love of learning that begins in pre-k will help your child begin on the road that leads to success in high school and beyond,” said Dr. Timothy J. McNiff, the archdiocese’s superintendent of schools, in a statement June 10.
Academic subjects—literacy, math, science and social studies—are taught by certified teachers using a centers-based learning approach. Children learn in an age-appropriate way to make their own choices and to socialize, while developing creative and critical thinking, as well as large and fine motor skills.
For a list of schools in the archdiocese offering free UPK programs, and to download an application, access buildboldfutures.com/upk.html. Places will be filled at each school on a first-come, first-served basis.
