Lyons Central School District is excited to announce the launch of its new 3-Year-Old Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) Program for children turning 3 on or before December 1, 2026, expanding early learning opportunities for the district's youngest learners beginning with the upcoming school year.
The addition of the 3-year-old program builds on the success of the district's full-day 4-Year-Old UPK program, which was brought fully in-house several years ago. Since then, the program has provided hundreds of students with a strong foundation for future learning through engaging instruction, caring educators, and a welcoming school environment.
"We've seen firsthand the positive impact that high-quality early childhood education has on our students," said Superintendent Dr. Matthew Barr. "Expanding our UPK program to include 3-year-olds allows us to support children and families even earlier, giving our youngest students the opportunity to build confidence, develop important social and academic skills, and develop a strong foundation for learning."
The 3-Year-Old UPK program will offer families many of the same benefits that have made the district's 4-Year-Old UPK program so successful, including:
Full school day (7:30 a.m. – 2:20 p.m.)
Transportation provided if needed
Free breakfast and lunch
Certified teachers
Research-based early childhood curriculum
A structured, engaging learning environment
Exposure to special areas, including music and art
By introducing children to school routines, collaborative learning, and age-appropriate academic experiences, the program helps prepare students for long-term success while fostering independence, creativity, and a love of learning.
Families interested in learning more about the new 3-Year-Old UPK program, eligibility requirements, or the registration process are encouraged to visit the Lyons Central School District UPK webpage.
Lyons Central School District remains committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities that support every student from their very first day of school through graduation, ensuring all students have the strongest possible start to their educational journey.