When New York City introduced Universal Pre-K (UPK) and 3-K, it was a game-changer. Free, full-day programs for three- and four-year-olds gave parents a major reason to stay in the city longer—especially with private preschool prices climbing ever higher. For years, these programs kept families anchored in the five boroughs, even as they began to dream of yards, driveways, and playdates in the suburbs.
But now? That’s shifting.
More and more suburbs are stepping up, launching their own UPK programs that rival what’s available in the city—and giving families even more flexibility to make the move on their terms.
Why UPK Was a City Staple
NYC’s Universal Pre-K program made early childhood education more accessible than ever before. For families with dual working parents, tight childcare budgets, or a desire for structured early education, UPK and 3-K were essential.
Understandably, many families delayed their suburban move until their children aged out of the programs—typically after pre-K or kindergarten. But with more suburban districts expanding their offerings, there’s less reason to wait.
Now Arriving: UPK in the Suburbs
More suburban towns across Westchester, New Jersey, Long Island, and Connecticut are rolling out their own versions of UPK—some full-day, some half-day, and all with their own eligibility requirements.
So where can you find these programs? Here’s a quick guide to some of the suburbs offering UPK options:
Chappaqua, NY
Chappaqua offers a district-run Universal Pre-K program with 36 seats for the 2025–2026 school year, pending budget approval. Eligible children must be district residents and turn 4 by January 1, 2026. The program is tuition-free and follows a full-day schedule. Enrollment is determined by a lottery system.
Croton-on-Hudson, NY
Croton-Harmon UFSD is launching a full-day Universal Pre-K program for the 2025–2026 school year at two locations: Childrenspace North and A Rising Star Children’s Center. The program offers 56 seats for district residents whose children turn 4 by December 1, 2025, with enrollment determined by lottery.
New Rochelle, NY
The Henry Barnard Early Childhood Center offers a district-run UPK program for 4-year-olds, emphasizing a play-based curriculum aligned with New York State standards. Enrollment is determined by a lottery system, and residency within the New Rochelle School District is required.
Ossining, NY
This Rivertown offers a well-regarded UPK program for district residents. Slots are limited and awarded by lottery, and the program focuses on both academic and social development.
This dynamic UPK program offers free, full-day pre-kindergarten classes for district residents. The program focuses on preparing 4-year-olds for kindergarten through a comprehensive curriculum that supports social, emotional, and academic development. Enrollment is determined by lottery, with priority given to residents.
White Plains, NY
UPK in White Plains is managed through the district’s Early Childhood Center and provides a structured preschool experience for four-year-olds. There are also opportunities to attend partner programs in the community.
Great Neck, NY
Great Neck offers a highly sought-after UPK program that emphasizes whole-child learning and community engagement. Families are encouraged to apply early, as placement is typically determined through a lottery system. Proof of residency is required, and the application process is competitive due to limited spots and high demand.
Port Washington, NY
On the North Shore of Long Island, Port Washington offers UPK through partnerships with local preschools. The district works closely with community-based organizations to provide part- and full-day placements.
Sea Cliff, NY
This picturesque North Shore village offers free, full-day Universal Pre-K through the North Shore Central School District. Classes are five hours a day, five days a week, and the program is funded by the New York State UPK Expansion Grant. Slots are awarded by lottery, and families must be residents with proof of address. The sense of community in Sea Cliff is strong—and so is the demand for this program.
Fairfield, CT
Fairfield’s ECC provides both full-day and part-time preschool options for 3- and 4-year-old residents. The program follows Connecticut’s Early Learning and Development Standards and emphasizes a play-based curriculum.
Greenwich, CT
While not technically a UPK program, Greenwich Public Schools run an Integrated Preschool Program that serves both children with special needs and typically developing peers. It follows Connecticut’s Early Learning Development Standards and is open to residents via an online lottery. The program offers structured, affordable early education with a strong community foundation.
Norwalk, CT
Norwalk offers a School Readiness program for 3- and 4-year-old residents, focusing on preparing children for kindergarten through a comprehensive curriculum. The program operates in collaboration with community-based providers.
Stamford, CT
The APPLES Program is Stamford Public Schools’ free, district-run preschool program for 4-year-olds, offering a nurturing, inclusive environment led by certified early childhood educators. Housed at the APPLES Early Childhood Education Center, the program supports both general and special education students with a low student-to-teacher ratio and access to specialists, including speech therapists and behavior specialists. Classes emphasize play-based, developmentally appropriate learning to prepare kids for kindergarten and beyond.
Eligibility requires Stamford residency, and enrollment may involve a lottery process.
Montclair, NJ
Montclair’s “Mini-Mounties” program offers free, full-day preschool for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds. For the 2025–2026 school year, the program is expanding to 29 classrooms across district schools and community partners. Enrollment is determined through a lottery system.
West Orange, NJ
West Orange has expanded its free preschool program, aiming to serve 90% of 3- and 4-year-old general education students within five years. The program operates on a full-day schedule (8:30 AM to 3:20 PM) and is available to residents. Placement is determined by the district, and some partner sites offer extended care options.
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
Unlike NYC’s UPK system, suburban programs vary widely by town. That means:
- Residency is usually required. Most districts require that you live within the district before applying. Proof of residency—such as a lease, deed, or utility bill—is almost always necessary.
- Lotteries are common. Many districts use a lottery system to fill seats, especially for full-day programs.
- Deadlines are early. Applications often open in January or February for the following school year. If you’re planning to move over the summer, that could be too late to secure a UPK spot.
Want UPK? Here’s How to Time Your Move
If Universal Pre-K is on your list of must-haves, it’s important to align your moving timeline with local registration deadlines.
We recommend:
Start researching early
Even if you’re planning to move a year from now, understanding where programs are offered gives you a head start.
Talk to your Strategist
Let your Suburban Jungle Strategist know that UPK is a priority. We’ll help you identify towns with strong programs and manageable move-in timelines.
Build in a buffer
If a district requires proof of residency before registration opens, plan to move at least a month (or two) before applications are due.
Have a backup plan
Given the lottery-style admissions, it’s smart to look at private preschool options as a fallback.
The Big Picture
Families move to the suburbs for all kinds of reasons—space, schools, community, lifestyle. With UPK now available in more towns, it’s easier than ever to make the jump without giving up the educational benefits you loved in the city.
So if you’ve been holding off your move for that last free year of pre-K, it might be time to revisit the suburbs. They’re ready for you—and for your little ones.
Need Help Navigating the UPK Landscape?
Suburban Jungle’s free strategy sessions are designed to help you find the right town—and yes, that includes towns with Universal Pre-K. Let’s talk UPK, moving timelines, and everything in between.
For more insights, visit SJ’s New York City suburbs section and the New York City blog page on our website.
