Cohoes Pre-kindergarten (UPK) is a free, full-day preschool program for Cohoes 3- and 4-year-olds. Our UPK has 54 seats for 3-year-olds and 90 seats for 4-year-olds, with classrooms at all three of our elementary schools. The program is grant-funded through the New York State Education Department and provided by Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area.
UPK follows the elementary schools’ calendars, and is held weekdays from 8:45 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.
There are five classrooms for 4-year-olds (two at Abram Lansing, two at Harmony Hill and one at Van Schaick) and three classrooms for 3-year-olds (one at each elementary school).
Eligibility requirements
If your child is a current Cohoes resident and will be 3 or 4 on or before December 1, he/she is eligible to register for UPK in September.
- Enrollment in the 4-year-old program beginning Sept. 2024 must be 4 before Dec. 1, 2024.*
- Enroll in 3-year-old program beginning Sept. 2024, must be 3 before Dec. 1, 2024.
*Students in the 3-year-old program are automatically registered for the 4-year-old program the following year.
Registering for program
Please call Alena Savaria at 518-237-4131, ext. 2299 or email registrar@cohoes.org to schedule an appointment.
Required documents for registration can be found on the student registration page.
My child has special needs. Can they attend the UPK program?
Yes! If your child has special needs, and/or is receiving services based on the recommendation of the Committee on Preschool Special Education, he or she is eligible to attend UPK. Contact the Office of Special Programs at (518) 237-0990 for more information.
Breakfast and lunch
All students in the program receive free breakfast and lunch under the district’s Community Eligibility Program.