For anyone with a child born in 2010 or later, the current battle to expand public pre-K should be of special interest. Mayor De Blasio and Governor Cuomo both have plans for expanding all-day free public pre-K. How this is funded and implemented is being worked out right now as the state outlines their next budget. Meanwhile the pre-K registration period is now open for the 2014-15 school year. The deadline has been extended until April 23rd, because if De Blasio gets his way, thousands of new spots could get added.
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PS 261
The bigger question is where would all these seats go? Many schools, like P.S. 8 in Brooklyn Heights, are already crowded and are being forced to drop their pre-K programs to make space for other grades. Community based pre-K programs (free programs located in facilities other than schools) may see the biggest increase in funding. Placements are made in June.
If you are interested in public pre-K programs for your child born in 2010, here are some options to consider in the area:
- P.S. 307 (DUMBO/Vinegar) – This District 13 school is adding 4 pre-K classes for a total of 6 (108 spots) in response to P.S. 8 losing theirs. They recently received a grant to become the MAGNET SCHOOL for STEM STUDIES and students from across D13 can apply. You can read my thoughts on the school after a recent visit. Upcoming open house dates: Wednesday March 19th @ 6P and Tuesday March 25th @ 9A.
- P.S. 282 (Park Slope) – This District 13 school has 72 spaces for next year and has taken kids from across the district in the past. Upcoming tours: Wed. March 26th and April 9 @ 9A.
- P.S. 133 (Park Slope) – This choice school is open to residents of District 13 and 15 and has 46 slots for next year. They have dual-language French and Spanish programs. Contact the parent coordinator.
- P.S. 20 (Fort Greene) – They have only taken zone kids from the past but are possibly adding another pre-K class for next year.
- P.S. 38 (Boeurm Hill) – Has 72 spaces and have taken students from across the district. Next tour: Monday March 24th @ 9AM
- PS 46 (Ft. Greene) – Has a NEW MAGNET GRANT (Communications and Media Arts through Applied Training).They also have a Dual Language Spanish program for PreK-5th grade. Open house for the Dual Language program will be on 3/26 @ 9am. For more information e-mail Mr. Johnson at jjohnso19@schools.nyc.gov.
- P.S. 261 (Boerum Hill) – 36 spots and has only been taking only zoned kids recently. Next open house: Tue, Mar 25th @9AM
Helpful links:
- The latest Pre-K directory (PDF).
- How to apply to pre-K on the DOE website
- Find out your chances of getting into a particular pre-K program with this interactive feature from DNA Info.
- NYC School help on the pre-K application process.
- More info on the battle between De Blasio and Cuomo to fund and implement wide-spread universal pre-K.
