
UPK
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area operates Universal Pre-Kindergarten for schools throughout Albany, Cohoes and Watervliet. UPK programming includes high-quality early learning experiences designed to prepare children to achieve and succeed.
Albany Universal Prekindergarten Program
Meredith Harris
Universal Prekindergarten Director, Albany
(518) 462-5528 ext. 1003
Arbor Hill Elementary School
1 Arbor Drive
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 475-6625
Albany School of Humanities
108 Whitehall Rd
Albany, NY 12209
(518) 475-6575
Giffen Elementary
274 S. Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12202
(518) 462-7176
Sheridan Preparatory Academy
400 Sheridan Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
(518) 475-6850
Philip J Schuyler Achievement Academy
676 Clinton Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
(518) 475-6700
The City School District of Albany is accepting applications now through March 18 for magnet and prekindergarten lotteries. Both lotteries are April 13. Pre-K is offered at all elementary schools – including magnet schools – as well as community locations city-wide. Please note this lottery is for Pre-K 4 program (4 years old by Dec. 1). There is a separate lottery for Pre-K 3 program (3 years old by Dec. 1) held later in the spring.
Cohoes Universal Prekindergarten Program
Mary Haley
Universal Prekindergarten Director, Cohoes
(518)-237-5044 ext. 147
Van Schaick Grade School
150 Continental Ave
Cohoes, NY 12047
Harmony Hill School
120 Madeline Hickey Way
Cohoes, NY 12047
Abram Lansing Elementary
26 James St
Cohoes, NY 12047
Watervliet Universal Prekindergarten Program
Char'lee Frament
Universal Prekindergarten Director, Watervliet
(518) 704-4225 ext. 1003
Watervliet Elementary School
2557 10th Ave #1,
Watervliet, NY 12189
Why UPK is important
The Universal Prekindergarten Program (UPK) was established in 1997 as an early education foundation to providing high quality, developmentally appropriated programs in the State of New York designed to meet the social, cognitive, linguistic, emotional, cultural and physical needs of children. The CLUB began providing UPK services for the Albany School District in 1998.
At the preschool level, children build strong foundations in social, pre-academic, and general life skills that will give them a leg up in school and beyond. Research shows that children who graduate from preschool have improved academic readiness, lower incarceration rates, and higher rates of pay.






