Universal Prekindergarten Program

The Greater Johnstown School District’s Universal Pre-kindergarten program addresses instructional components, cognitive skills, social and emotional development and the physical skills of youngsters. To be eligible to apply for the 2023-2024 pre-k program in the Johnstown district, children must reside in the school district and be at least four years old on or before December 1, 2023. The program does not require income eligibility.

Pre-k application packets may be downloaded from our forms page, picked up at the Pleasant Avenue Elementary School, or requested by emailing the GJSD Registrar’s office: registration@johnstownschools.org. All forms in the pre-k application packet must be completed and brought to the District Office at 1 Sir Bills Circle, Suite 101, Johnstown, NY, including the residency form, together with proof of residency. All parents must complete the residency form.

Enrollment

Universal Prekindergarten is open to children residing in the school district who are four years old on or before Dec. 1 of the current school year. Income eligibility is not a factor and all families are encouraged to apply.

The Greater Johnstown School District will provide a full-day PreK program for the 2023-24 school year. The district will be able to accommodate 54 students in the full-day program with three dedicated classrooms containing 18 students each at Pleasant Avenue Elementary.

For the 2023-24 school year, completed pre-k applications must be received by the district by 3 p.m. on March 10, 2023.

If more than 54 pre-k applications are received, the State Education Department requires the district to hold a lottery to ensure equal access and opportunity for all families. The district’s pre-k lottery will be conducted by district administrators at the Knox Building on March 15, 2023, if needed. Once the lottery is completed, families will be informed in writing as to the status of their child’s application. Those who do not receive a lottery placement or who apply after the lottery date will be placed on a waiting list. Waiting list placement will be based on the date the application was received.

Questions regarding pre-K may be directed to the district office (518) 762-4611.

Universal Pre-K Activities Include

  • Reading Readiness
  • Math Skills
  • Science Lessons
  • Literature
  • Social Skills
  • Self-Help Skills
  • Large Motor Activities
  • Field Trips
  • Music
  • Library
  • Parent/Child Activities