District Home
Select a School...
Select a School
Register

What is PreK?

Why Universal PreKindergarten?
 
When your child enters the free Universal Prekindergarten program in the Rochester City School District, he or she becomes part of a learning community that nurtures individual growth and provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
 
Why enroll?
 
Pre-K offers an educational program taught by a NYS certified teacher to prepare your child for learning in school. Children who participate in quality early childhood programs:
  • Learn socialization skills through group activities;
  • Experience reading and writing readiness activities;
  • Are better prepared for school success;
  • Are more likely to attain higher levels of education.
Click here to view comparison charts illustrating the quality of Rochester's Pre-K programs and the developmental growth of our Pre-K students.
 
Click here to view posters giving facts about the Rochester Pre-K programs and the child assessment used.
 
Click here to view the 15th Annual Rochester Early Childhood Assessment Partnership (RECAP) Report.
 
What to expect:
  • Your child will receive a minimum of 2 1/2 hours of an intentionally planned Pre-K program.
  • All of Rochester's Prekindergarten classrooms use the HighScope Curriculum. Click here for more information about the HighScope Curriculum.
  • The curriculum is aligned to NYS Learning Standards and ensures continuity with elementary grades.
  • Activities are learner-centered and promote a child's growth and development.
  • There are NYS certified teachers in all school and community UPK classrooms.
New York State Prekindergarten Learning Standards
  • Click here for NYS Standards