Universal Preschool (UPK)
Universal Pre Kindergarten at Benton Hall Academy
Universal Pre Kindergarten at Benton Hall Academy
Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) at Benton Hall Academy is a partnership between the Mohawk Valley Youth and Family Center and the Little Falls City School District. Through collaboration with Family School Navigation and other community partners, our program provides a strong foundation for learning, growth, and development while connecting our youngest Mounties and their families with the support and resources they need to thrive.
Why does Prek at Benton Hall Academy matter?
Pre-K at Benton Hall Academy is more than just a first step into school—it’s the foundation for a lifetime of learning! Attending preschool at Benton Hall Academy allows your child to acclimate to our school before they enter kindergarten by being comfortable with our building and school culture. Through play-based learning, early literacy, social-emotional development, and hands-on activities, children build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Our program helps students learn to follow directions, build friendships, solve problems, and become independent learners in a safe, nurturing environment. Through meaningful connections with families, community partners, and school staff, we help every child feel supported, valued, and ready to learn. We collobrate with our local public library with walking field trips and with our Middle School Art students. At Benton Hall Academy, we’re proud to help our youngest Mounties grow, learn, and shine!
How does the Prek program run?
Our UPK program runs Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. and follows the LFCSD calendar. Students receive free breakfast and lunch each day. Prekindergarten students also participate in specials, including PE, Art, Music, Library, and EBD (Engineering by Design), which help support a smooth transition to kindergarten with familiar teachers. Please note that transportation is not provided. We also collaborate with our local library to offer monthly walking field trips.
Who is eligible for UPK at Benton Hall Academy?
Children who turn 4 on or before December 1stand live within the LFCSD are eligible for this no cost Prek program. Registration packets are avilable for pickup at 15 Petrie Street (district office).
Please reach out to Mrs. Bladek with any questions.
LF Middle School Studio Art students visited our UPK classrooms to celebrate PARP and Art in Our Schools Month by teaching our youngest learners a fun “Scribble Art” lesson! We read I’m Not Just a Scribble by Diane Alber and explored how simple lines and scribbles can become amazing works of art. The big kids helped our prek students use their creativity to draw farm animals and then brought their creations to life by sculpting 3D versions out of clay. Our UPK artists were so proud to have their clay animals displayed at the LF District Art Showcase in May!
Our UPK students attend Engineering by Design (EBD) class with Mrs. Young and Mrs. Bladek in our beautiful STEM center. _1760720356.png)