• Universal Pre-Kindergarten

    Learn more about all your Universal Pre-Kindergarten Options across the city.

    Visit this link to learn more about free community-based, family child care and BPS options, all on one page.

     

    Learn more about Universal Pre-Kindergarten in Boston Public Schools, also known as K0 and K1.

    Prepare your child for success! Preschool gets your child ready for school with a strong foundation for learning now. The Boston Public Schools preschool program is one of the strongest in the nation.

    There are more than 2,400 Universal Pre-K seats available for children who are four years old on or before September 1 of the school year they are registering for. There are also a limited number of openings in K0 for children who are three years old on or before September 1 of the school year they are registering for. Assignments to general education programs at the K0 and K1 level are not guaranteed. We encourage families to register in the first round for this grade, starting in January. Visit the Registration tab to learn more.

     

    BPS UPK seats are available in elementary schools and early learning centers.

    In addition to K0 and K1 offerings in traditional elementary schools, spanning grades PK-5 or PK-6, BPS also has several early learning centers, offering full-day PK through grade 1, 2 or grade 3. These programs also offer before and after school care from 7:30 a.m. to 4:35 p.m. All are free. Seats are limited and wait lists can be long for these popular programs so be sure to register in January for seats for the next school year.

    Important UPK Notes

    • All general education kindergarten students, including UPK students in our K1 and K0 classrooms, are guaranteed a seat through the highest grade of their assigned school, following the guidelines of our student assignment plan.
    • Exceptions cannot be made to our entry age policy, regardless of the child’s previous school experience.
    • State law states each child must attend school beginning in September of the calendar year in which the child turns six years old.
    • While the K0 and K1 program at BPS for 3- and 4-year-olds has expanded in recent years, assignment cannot be guaranteed. If you need a program and our seats are full, we encourage you to check out more options on the UPK site, as well as Child Care Choices of Boston, and other preschool options.

    Get ready for your "Countdown to Kindergarten"

    This partnership among the BPS, City of Boston, and many community organizations is working to provide a positive and supportive transition into BPS kindergarten (K0, K1 or K2) for students and their families. The initiative offers free parent-child playgroups, provides readiness tips and opportunities, and hosts workshops and other transition activities. Pick up copies of their publications, available in many languages, at any Welcome Center, or call 617-635-9288, visit their Facebook page, or visit their website: www.countdowntokindergarten.org