Despite hundreds of new pre-kindergarten seats that are opening in Queens for next school year, competition remains fierce and waitlists remain long in many heavily populated neighborhoods.
According to the Department of Education, hundreds of new pre-kindergarten seats are to open this month throughout Queens. In District 24, which includes Corona, Elmhurst, Long Island City, Middle, Village, and Ridgewood, there will be 10 new pre-K centers–more than in any other part of the city. Nearly 160 of the available seats are located at the Mosaic Pre-K Centers on 43rd Avenue and Northern Boulevard in Corona.
However in the Hunters Point neighborhood of Long Island City, part of District 30, many parents are faced with the possibility traveling to Astoria for their child’s pre-K program. With just 3 early education centers in this growing neighborhood, there are only 36 seats left at P.S./I.S. 78, and just 17 seats available at Lolly’s Early Childhood Center on 47th Avenue. In an effort to make room for new schoolchildren, the city announced three new schools to be built in Long Island City, though relief is years away.
A record 85 percent of families were accepted into one of their three their top choices for the city’s free pre-K programs, and those who did not make their first choice will get another shot. There are 65 new programs and still nearly 1,000 spots open throughout the city. The second round of admission opened May 2. Families have until May 20 to either accept their first round enrollment or reapply in the second round.
