Universal Pre-Kindergarten Lottery Applications Now Available

The lottery application period for the 2026/27 Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program is now open. Designed to foster a “growing, learning, and playing together” environment, the UPK program serves as a critical bridge for the district’s youngest learners as they prepare for kindergarten.

The UPK curriculum is aligned with the New York State Pre-K Standards. By balancing teacher-guided instruction with play-based exploration, the program aims to develop more than just academic readiness. The focus is on the whole child. The UPK program looks to enhance cognitive, social, and emotional learning through practices that are developmentally appropriate for four-year-olds. Instruction is delivered in a variety of settings—including individual, small, and large groups—to ensure personalized attention. A typical day includes morning meetings, STEAM-focused learning centers, outdoor gross motor activities, and dedicated rest time.

Funded by the New York State UPK grant, the district anticipates offering 163 seats for the upcoming school year. The program is structured as a full-day experience, running five hours daily, five days per week, and follows the Huntington School District calendar.

The program is open to children who reside within the Huntington School District and were born between December 2, 2021 and December 1, 2022.

Participants will be selected via a lottery system. Families interested in securing a spot must submit their lottery applications by the April 13 deadline.

A virtual UPK informational meeting will be held on March 11, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at https://bit.ly/UPKMeeting26-27 (in English) and 1:00 pm in Spanish at https://bit.ly/ReunióndeUPKenespañol

Applications can be submitted electronically or via US Mail or dropped off at the Huntington UFSD central administration office located at 50 Tower Street in Huntington Station.

• An electronic application form can be accessed and submitted by visiting https://bit.ly/HuntingtonUPK26-27

• Paper copies of the application can be downloaded from the district’s website at: https://www.hufsd.edu/resources/upk.html#docs (Registration Forms)

• 2026-27 Universal Pre-Kindergarten Paper Application (English)

• 2026-27 Universal Pre-Kindergarten Application (Spanish)

Paper applications can also be picked up at the receptionist’s desk at the central administration office.

Completed paper copies of application forms should be mailed to:

Huntington Union Free School District

P.O. Box 1500

Huntington, NY 11743

Attn: UPK Application

Completed paper copies of application forms can be dropped off with the Superintendent’s secretary at Huntington UFSD’s Central Administration Offices at Jack Abrams School. Enter the building at 50 Tower Street, Huntington Station.

Should you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact upk@hufsd.edu or call (631) 673-4294.