Considering a move to the suburbs with preschoolers? These towns in Westchester make the grade.
When New York City announced plans to offer universal pre-kindergarten (UPK) in January 2014, it was a game changer for parents in the city. Four-year-olds in every borough were guaranteed access to full-day, high-quality pre-kindergarten at no cost. With the average cost of private preschool in NYC hovering just over $16,000, suddenly, many city families had a major financial incentive to delay their move until their kids were ready for kindergarten.
But New York City no longer has a lock on universal pre-K. Given the clear academic and emotional benefits that UPK provides, more and more Westchester school districts are adding this vital program to their curriculum — and that’s changing timelines for countless families with rising three- and four-year-olds.
What are the key benefits of universal pre-K?
Whether in the city or the suburbs, the benefits of UPK can’t be overstated. Research shows that kids who attend a pre-K program are better prepared for kindergarten, with improved language, literacy, and math skills. The effects are long-lasting: this early education has been linked to higher test scores, reduced grade repetition, and higher graduation rates.
There are social and emotional benefits, too. Kids learn to interact with their peers, share, and resolve conflicts. They also have better social skills, self-control, and self-esteem—and these positive learning experiences encourage a love of learning.
How to find a suburb you love with a universal pre-K program
While the benefits of pre-K are clear, they come with a price, with tuition running upwards of $40,000 for private and independent day schools. “The high cost of preschool makes moving to a town that offers free, universal pre-K a very enticing option for our clients,” says Suburban Jungle strategist Robin Hoberman. “A growing number of Westchester suburbs have started offering universal pre-K, and we’re finding that’s a huge draw for families who might otherwise stay an extra year in the city.”
As you start your search, it’s important to remember that universal pre-K isn’t universal–yet. But more and more towns are offering UPK, which helps to defray the overall cost of living there. One of the latest towns to offer pre-K is the Chappaqua Central School District, launching a brand-new pre-kindergarten at Douglas Grafflin Elementary School this fall. This grant-funded program, which runs from 9am to 2pm Monday through Friday, is free to Chappaqua residents, with spots for 36 students offered by lottery. This year, applications were due July 26, with lottery selection on July 31.
The Tarrytown school district also offers a UPK lottery for incoming four-year-olds. Pre-K hours are 8:50am to 3:35pm and, as an added perk, transportation to after-school programs is free. Applications can be submitted from December 1 to February 14, and spots for the 108 open seats are awarded via lottery.
Further south, White Plains has been offering universal pre-K since 2014, and the program is going strong. Residents have to apply, but the program is open to all 4-year-olds in the city. This year, applications were due in May, with registration for the coming school year completed by early June.
And pre-K isn’t limited to these ‘burbs. Other Westchester towns that offer universal pre-K include:
- New Rochelle offers residents the choice of a 5-hour and a 2 1/2-hour program; for the 2024-2025 school year, the lottery took place in January.
- Peekskill started offering pre-K in the 2023-2024 school year. Like many other towns, this year’s lottery took place in January and was open to all city residents.
- Port Chester offers its pre-K program in collaboration with Corpus Christi-Holy Rosary School. Class size is approximately 18 kids per class. Registration for this year’s program was held in January. If you’re applying for the 2025 school year, keep in mind registration must be completed in person.
- Ossining residents can enroll their children in a traditional UPK or the district’s innovative dual-language program. This year, the lottery took place in March.
“Timing a move to take advantage of a town’s pre-K program requires careful planning,” says Robin Hoberman. “While the application process varies by town, most require multiple proof of residency documents such as utility bills and property deeds to finalize an application. Your Suburban Jungle Strategist can work with you to help you navigate the process.”
Ready to discover towns that will provide your kids with the education you’re looking for? Schedule your free Suburbs Strategy session now.
