Universal 3-K
Universal 3-K at Kinder Prep is free full-day early childhood education for eligible 3-year-olds at our Brooklyn Heights center. The same certified educators, the same warm classrooms, and the same standard of care as our private programs. Funded by the DOE. Delivered by Kinder Prep.
- Free for eligible NYC families
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:20 PM
- Two classrooms, 12 new seats for 2026-2027
- School code: 13P0333K at myschools.nyc
Every classroom exceeds required staffing ratios, because we believe children thrive when they're truly seen and supported.
Our Approach
How Our 3-K Program Works.
Universal 3-K gives eligible Brooklyn families access to free, full-day early childhood education. What makes Kinder Prep different is everything else.
During the DOE school day, your child learns in the same warm, naturally lit classrooms as our private program children, cared for by the same certified educators who know each child individually. The environment, the relationships, and the standard of care are Kinder Prep's. The funding is the DOE's.
Many families enroll their child in our Infant, Toddler, or Early Preschool programs well before their child turns 3. As a currently enrolled family, they receive priority consideration for 3-K placement when the time comes, giving them a significant advantage in a competitive process.
A Day in 3-K
A Day in Our Universal 3-K Classroom.
The Universal 3-K day runs Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:20 PM. Extended Day is available from 2:20 PM to 6:00 PM for an additional monthly fee and includes the full Kinder Prep experience.
DOE Core Hours
Free
Extended Day
$2,000/month (5-day) or $1,800/month (3-day)
Enrichment classes are part of the Extended Day program and are not included in the free DOE core hours.
What's Included at No Cost
Everything Your Child Needs, All Included.
- Free full-day program, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:20 PM
- Montessori-inspired learning and Creative Curriculum
- Morning Circle Time, group learning, and hands-on exploration
- Nutritious meals throughout the DOE school day
- Quiet time and rest
- Warm, certified educators
- Outdoor time at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Want More?
The Extended Day Program.
The Extended Day transforms the 3-K experience into the full Kinder Prep all-inclusive day. From 2:20 PM to 6:00 PM your child joins the complete afternoon program. Extended Day families also follow Kinder Prep's calendar, not the DOE calendar, so children can attend on many days when public schools are closed.
- All 10 specialist-led enrichment classes: Chess, Abacus Math, Soccer, Science Lab, Cooking, Spanish, Dance, Music & Sign Language, Puppetsburg, and Music with Timbalooloo
- Daily outdoor exploration at Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Montessori-inspired afternoon learning centers
- All meals and snacks
- Parent app with daily updates and photos
- Monthly Parents' Date Nights
- Seasonal celebrations and special events
- Kinder Prep's calendar, not the DOE calendar
Extended Day Pricing
5 Days / Week
2:20 PM to 6:00 PM
$2,000
3 Days / Week
2:20 PM to 6:00 PM
$1,800
Registration fee required with each application. Month-to-month enrollment, no annual contract.
Priority Placement
Enroll Early. Secure Your Spot.
Priority 3-K placement goes to currently enrolled Kinder Prep families. Many families choose to start their child in our Infant, Toddler, or Early Preschool programs so they can grow with our community before their 3-K year. By the time their child is ready for 3-K, they already know their teachers and love coming to school every day.
Spots are limited and allocated by the NYC DOE. Being a current Kinder Prep family puts your child at the front of the line.
Ready to Apply?
How to Apply for Universal 3-K at Kinder Prep.
- 1
Create a family account
Visit myschools.nyc and create a family account.
- 2
Find Kinder Prep
Search for Kinder Prep Montessori using school code 13P0333K.
- 3
Submit your application
Submit your application through the DOE portal during the application window.
- 4
Notify our team
If you are a currently enrolled Kinder Prep family, notify our Brooklyn Heights team directly so we can note your priority status.
Spots are allocated by the NYC DOE, not by Kinder Prep. We cannot reserve spots directly. Currently enrolled families receive priority consideration, but placement is not guaranteed.
Our Educators
The Educators Behind Our 3-K Program.
Every child deserves experienced, nurturing teachers who truly know them, care for them, and want to see them thrive. Meet ours.
Mira Gonzalez
Teacher, 3-K
Hello everyone! My name is Mira and I really love and enjoy teaching 3K! I was born and raised in New York and I would not have it any other way. During my free time, I enjoy relaxing with a book, watching movies, and enjoying the fresh air. I have years of experience working with children from birth to 3 years old, and it has been an amazing journey. Working with children is a very rewarding and fulfilling experience! It is amazing to see children grow every single day, watch them learn something new and have a fun time doing it. I cannot wait to see my students thrive and accomplish new and exciting things and for me to be able to help them along the way.
Lourdes Juarez
Teacher, 3-K
My name is Lourdes Juarez and I am from the country of Argentina. I am a passionate individual who believes in supporting development and achievement through love, attention, and understanding. Since I was young, I have been drawn towards Early Childhood Education, having developed a genuine passion for working with young learners and witnessing their growth. I find joy in helping them develop their language, academic, creative art, social and motor skills on a daily basis. I also enjoy the privilege of challenging them to be curious and inquisitive. When I am not thinking about my kiddos, I love to dance, listen to music, cooking Argentian food, reading, and sharing quality time with my family and friends. I am grateful to team up with you in this journey during your child's growth and development.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for Universal 3-K at Kinder Prep?
Apply through the NYC myschools.nyc portal using school code 13P0333K. Spots are allocated by the NYC DOE, not by Kinder Prep. Currently enrolled Kinder Prep families receive priority consideration, but placement is not guaranteed.
Is Universal 3-K really free at Kinder Prep?
Yes. The core 3-K program running Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:20 PM, is completely free for eligible NYC families. The Extended Day program from 2:20 PM to 6:00 PM is available for an additional monthly fee of $2,000 for 5 days or $1,800 for 3 days per week.
Which Kinder Prep location offers Universal 3-K?
Universal 3-K is available at our Brooklyn Heights center at 15 Bridge Park Drive only. We now offer two 3-K classrooms with 12 new seats added for the 2026-2027 school year.
What is the difference between 3-K and regular preschool at Kinder Prep?
Universal 3-K is a free NYC DOE program for eligible 3-year-olds running 8:00 AM to 2:20 PM. Our private Preschool program offers similar curriculum with more flexible enrollment options, full-day hours, and all enrichment classes included. The Extended Day program bridges the two, giving 3-K families the full Kinder Prep experience after the DOE day ends.
Does enrolling in a private Kinder Prep program improve my chances of getting a 3-K spot?
Yes. Priority 3-K placement goes to currently enrolled Kinder Prep families. Many families start their child in our Infant, Toddler, or Early Preschool programs to grow with our community and improve their chances. Placement is still determined by the NYC DOE and is not guaranteed.
Does the 3-K Extended Day follow the NYC DOE school calendar?
No. Extended Day families follow Kinder Prep's independent school calendar, which means children can attend on many days when NYC public schools are closed.
Does my child need to be potty trained for 3-K?
While we encourage toilet learning, we understand that every child develops at their own pace. We support children through this process with patience and positive reinforcement.
Have more questions?
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Other Programs
Ages 3 to 12 months
Infant Program
Our infant program provides a safe, warm environment where your baby is known, cared for, and gently supported through every milestone.
Ages 1 to 2 years
Toddler Program
Toddlers are natural explorers. Our toddler program channels that energy through hands-on activities, creative play, and real-world skill building that supports language development, independence, and social growth.
Ages 2 to 3 years
Early Preschool Program
Two and three year olds are at a magical stage of rapid growth and discovery. Our Early Preschool program nurtures that curiosity through hands-on learning, creative play, and the kind of warm, structured environment where confidence and independence naturally bloom.
Ages 3 to 4 years
Preschool Program
Our Preschool program is where children truly begin to come into their own. Three and four year olds dive deeper into Montessori-inspired learning, building real academic foundations alongside the social-emotional skills and creative confidence that define a great early childhood.
Ages 4 to 5 years
Pre-K Program
Pre-K at Kinder Prep is where curious, confident children become genuinely ready for kindergarten and everything beyond. Four and five year olds build on years of Montessori-inspired learning to develop the academic, social, and practical foundations that last a lifetime.
Seasonal
Summer Program
A summer of adventure, discovery, and play with weekly themes, field trips, and enrichment.
Ready to See Our Universal 3-K in Action?
Book a private tour at our Brooklyn Heights center, meet the educators, and see the classroom firsthand.