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Registration for the 2026-2027 school year opens December 1st
HCSD has been meeting the needs of early learners for more than 50 years through its PreK program.
Universal PreK
Universal PreK
Children are most successful when parents, teachers, and the community work together to meet the needs of each child. Hamburg CSD's PreK program embraces this idea. Universal PreK is designed to help children discover a true love of learning, learn skills they need to be successful in school, and prepare for kindergarten. In addition, the experiences of our youngest learners are designed with purpose and intent, with Hamburg CSD's vision, mission, and core values in mind.
Vision: Educating Modern thinkers who create, care, solve, and discover
Mission: Engaging all students in learning experiences that inspire lifelong learning and empower each for their future
Core Values:
We...
honor every learner as a unique person and adapt to the needs of each
inspire the love of learning in every student
ensure that our schools are places of innovative teaching and active learning
are proud of our past and committed to our future
ensure that our schools are safe, kind, and welcoming so that we make every day a great day to be a Hamburg Bulldog
eligibility requirements for 2026-2027
eligibility requirements for 2026-2027
The PreK program for the 2026/2027 school year is open to children who will be four years old on or before Dec. 1, 2026. PreK families who are interested in attending the District UPK program will need to complete registration with the district by March 6th. Placement in the full-day and half-day classrooms is by digital lottery, which will be held in March of 2025. Families will be notified by email of their placement.
We encourage any families wishing to register a new student for the 2026/2027 school year to complete the Online Registration process outlined here. Once your application is submitted and reviewed, the Central Registrar will email you with additional information required to complete the registration process.
UPK registrations after the lottery will be ongoing. Once the program is filled, registered students will be added to the waitlist.
PreK IN hAMBURG!
PreK IN hAMBURG!
Principal: Thomas Riddoch
Secretary: Gabby Miklos
Secretary: Kathryn Taylor
For the 2026-27 School Year:
2 full day program classrooms
1 full day program classroom in collaboration with a community based organization
Principal: Danielle Lango
Secretary: Candy Ditkowski
Secretary: Kathryn Taylor
For the 2026-27 School Year:
2 full day program classrooms
2 half-day program classrooms (2 AM sessions; 2 PM sessions)
UPK Student HOURS
UPK Student HOURS
Monday - Friday
Monday - Friday
AM Session - 9:00-11:30
PM Session - 12:30-3:00
Full Day - 9:00-3:00
UPK Frequently Asked Questions
UPK Frequently Asked Questions
How are students selected for the program?
How are students selected for the program?
If more children apply than there are available openings, student placement will be determined through the use of a digital lottery as required by the NYS Education Department. UPK registration begins December 1st and must be completed by March 6th to be eligible for the digital lottery. Selection is not based on academic or economic needs. All children are equally eligible for participation.
The District does not have a first-come, first-served basis list. Please keep in mind that while the District would like to accommodate all requests, it is possible that not all children who enter the lottery will get into the program. This is based on overall numbers compared to actual seats that are available. Those who do not get into the program will be put on a wait list.
UPK registrations after the lottery will be ongoing. Once the program is filled, registered students will be added to the waitlist.
How will I be notified that my child was selected for the program?
How will I be notified that my child was selected for the program?
The District will notify families of the lottery results via email. Our goal is to inform parents/guardians no later than the end of March
How does the lottery process work for siblings?
How does the lottery process work for siblings?
The lottery selection process does not give preference to families with twins, triplets, etc. Each child is entered as an individual student and will be selected at random. The selection of one twin or triplet has no effect on the selection number of any other siblings during the lottery selection process.
What happens if one of my twins is selected and one is placed on the waiting list?
What happens if one of my twins is selected and one is placed on the waiting list?
The District will call the family to determine what they would like to do. It is the parents/guardians decision if they would like to keep one child in the full day program and the other on the wait list.
Do I get to pick the site I want for my child?
Do I get to pick the site I want for my child?
The site is determined by your home address. Parents may request a change, however, they will be responsible for transportation to and from the program.
Is transportation provided for my child?
Is transportation provided for my child?
Transportation is provided to and from the program based on your home address. If pick up and/or drop off is different than your home address you will need to complete an Alternate Site Application. This application can be found in the Form Library of your Operoo account
Who should I contact if I have additional questions
Who should I contact if I have additional questions
If you have questions about the PreK program, contact the the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Office at CIA@hcsdk12.org
If you have questions about registration, contact the Registrar at centralreg@hcsdk12.org
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