New this year, the Byron-Bergen Central School District is offering a full-day universal prekindergarten (UPK) program at the Elementary School. The UPK school day will expand from the current half-day format to 8:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, during the 2026-2027 school calendar. The UPK program is focused on socialization, learning through play, and self-exploration. Children learn in a hands-on environment that includes activities, learning centers, concrete materials, and manipulatives. Students learn through a nurturing environment that is enriching, challenging, and developmentally appropriate.
“This transition to full-day UPK reflects the district’s commitment to early childhood education and to giving every student a strong start,” said Elementary Principal Kristin Loftus. “It’s an exciting step forward that will enhance learning opportunities for our children and strengthen our school community for years to come.”
Students must turn four years of age on or before December 1, 2026, to be eligible for the program. Families of eligible children should complete the form on the Student Registration page of the Byron-Bergen website by February 27, 2026. It requires the student’s name, parents’ or guardians’ names, address, phone number, email address, and date of birth. Families who have already contacted the Elementary School by phone will still need to complete the form.
If the district receives more applications than its capacity allows, a lottery will be held to select students. This year’s lottery drawing will be held on March 5, 2026, via Zoom. Student-specific lottery numbers and the Zoom link will be shared with everyone who completes the form before the February 27 deadline. Families of selected students will need to complete the full registration packet, available on the Byron-Bergen website or picked up at the Elementary Main Office.
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