NSCSD Universal Pre-Kindergarten

What is UPK?

Universal Pre Kindergarten (UPK) is a state funded pre-kindergarten program available to all North Syracuse children who will be four years old on or before December 1, 2023. The UPK program is free to district residents, regardless of income, and is an excellent way to expose your child to the school setting and prepare your child for entering kindergarten.


The North Syracuse UPK programs follow a curriculum that is aligned to district expectations of age appropriate instruction and activities that encourage social emotional and academic growth. Research shows that students who attend UPK programs are better prepared for success when entering Kindergarten. The North Syracuse UPK programs connect families with school and build lasting relationships. For more information, please review this document in its entirety.

UPK Registration

The North Syracuse Central School District will begin accepting applications for its Universal Pre-Kindergarten program on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 and will continue accepting applications through Friday, March 31, 2023. Registration can be completed online at the North Syracuse Universal Pre-Kindergarten application system. Applications and required documents may also be submitted by email at: Registrar@nscsd.org, by mail to NSCSD, Attn: UPK, 5355 West Taft Rd., North Syracuse, NY 13212, or completed applications may be dropped off at the District Office.


To ensure all families have an equal opportunity for our UPK program, there will be a lottery drawing for acceptance. Enrollment in the UPK program is NOT on a first-come, first-served basis. If the UPK program fills up before all names are pulled from the lottery, the remaining students will be placed on a waitlist and parents will be notified if a spot becomes available. Additionally, registrations will be accepted after March 31 but those students will not be included in the lottery. Registrations taken after the lottery period will be placed on a waitlist and parents will be notified if a spot becomes available.


For questions regarding registration or the program, please contact Julia Shannon at 315-218-2147 or UPK@nscsd.org

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the North Syracuse UPK program, children must live in the North Syracuse Central School District and be four years old on or before December 1, 2023. This program is funded by a state grant and is subject to the passage of the New York State budget. There will be no charge to parents. If your child qualifies for the program, he/she will be enrolled at one of the following sites (based on address or sitter location):


  • Learn As You Grow, Inc. at 5684 South Bay Rd., Cicero, NY 13039
  • Learn As You Grow, Inc. at 8381 Elta Dr., Cicero, NY 13039
  • Northminster Early Childhood Center at 7444 Buckley Rd., North Syracuse, NY 13212
  • North YMCA at Roxboro Road Elementary at 200 Bernard St., Mattydale, NY 13211
  • North Syracuse Early Education Program (Before and after school care is now available) at 205 South Main St., North Syracuse, NY 13212

Program Details

The programs at Learn As You Grow will be a full day from 9:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. For further information regarding both programs please contact Katie Polhamus, LAYG Director, at (315) 699-7189.


The program at Northminster will be a full day from 9:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. For further information regarding the program please contact Soheila Yaddow, Northminster Director, at (315) 458-2669 opt. 2.


The program at North YMCA at Roxboro Road Elementary will be a full day from 9:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. For further information regarding the program please contact Lynnet Lamb, YMCA Director, at (315) 451-2562 - extension 210.


The program at North Syracuse Early Education Program will be either a full day from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. or half day from 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. For further information regarding the program please contact Dawn Hussein, NSEEP Principal, at (315) 218-2200.


All programs will be five days a week and follow the North Syracuse School District calendar.

Registration Process

To complete the registration process you will need to complete/provide copies of the following items:


Greg Stone

Greg Stone

Greg Stone
Director of ELA and Elementary Education
North Syracuse Central School District, NY, USA Gstone@nscsd.org 315-218-2153 sites.google.com/nscsd.org/k-4instruction/home?authuser=0