Plainedge Public Schools
Plainedge Public Schools

Pre-Kindergarten FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The Plainedge Pre-Kindergarten Program is a free full day program for students, funded by a grant from New York State. Continuation of the program each year is fully dependent on funding from the Federal Government and/or New York State.

1. Who is eligible?
Students who will reach the age of 4 by December 1 of the year of enrollment in the program, and who are residents of Plainedge School District, are eligible to apply.

2. What is the application process?
Applications are available, beginning on December 1, 2025, on the district website and will end on December 12, 2025.

3. What is the selection process?
Selection for this program, which is limited due to limited funding, is done by a lottery. Random selection is required by New York State. Only those who submit a completed registration with all required documentation will be placed in the lottery. Once the maximum capacity has been reached, each subsequent name pulled is put on a waiting list, in order of their draw from the lottery. Parents are notified by email of the results of the lottery once the names have been selected by a committee.

4. Is the program accredited through New York State?
Plainedge Pre-K Program has a partnership with St. Joseph’s University, which has an accredited pre-kindergarten program.

5. Is transportation provided?
Parents are required to provide transportation for their children for the Pre-K program.

6. How many hours a day will the program run?
This is a full-day program that will run 5 days a week from 8:10 AM – 2:40 PM. It will follow the Plainedge School District calendar.

7. How much will this program cost?
There is NO fee for this program.

8. Will the program be located at my elementary school?
The Pre-K program will only run at Eastplain, Charles E. Schwarting Elementary Schools, and Plainedge Middle School depending on space availability/enrollment.

9. How can I apply for the Universal Pre-Kindergarten program?
You may apply for the Pre-K program by completing the PRE-KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION online.

Please note that submitting the application does not guarantee a place in the program.

❏ You must submit proof of residency and a copy of your birth certificate to be eligible for this program.
❏ Selection is done by lottery.
❏ Those selected will be notified by mail.

10. When is the deadline for the Pre-K application?
December 12, 2025

11. Is before and/or after-school care available for students in the program?
No, since the start and end times will be different from the school hours for K-6.

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On behalf of the Plainedge Board of Education and Central Administration, we wish our community members, staff members, and their families who are observing Yom Kippur an easy fast.
Please note that schools will be closed on Thursday, October 2, 2025 and will reopen on Friday, October 3, 2025.
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We would like to wish those celebrating a Happy Rosh Hashanah. May this New Year bring you health and happiness. Please note that schools will be closed on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 and Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
We look forward to seeing everyone back on Thursday, September 25, 2025
Mrs. Carol Muscarella Returns to Plainedge as Interim Superintendent:

The Board of Education is pleased to welcome Mrs. Carol Muscarella as Interim Superintendent of Plainedge Schools. As many of you know, Mrs. Muscarella is a deeply respected leader with a long history of service to the Plainedge School District. Her deep love for its students, faculty, staff, and community is why she answered the call to serve once again. We are confident that her experience and dedicated leadership will provide stability and guidance during this transitional period. 

Kindly find Mrs. Muscarella's letter reintroducing herself to the community as she temporarily pauses her well-deserved retirement to serve Plainedge.