Hudson County Town Will Offer Free PreK For First Time, But Spots Limited

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — Among the Hudson County towns offering free preK and Head Start for kids under 5, North Bergen was left out over the years, its average income not considered low enough decades ago to be a state "Abbott" district like neighboring cities. But that's about to change.

North Bergen will offer free full-day preK to all of its 4-year-olds this September, and will have a very limited number of spots for 3-year-olds whose families sign up.

A spokesperson for the town called the news a "landmark announcement showcasing the community’s strong commitment to public education."

The move comes as part of the district's School Realignment Plan, they said.

Students qualify if they turn 4 by Oct. 1. Classes will be held in neighborhood elementary schools, rather than the controversial trailers that held some younger students in past years.

The district will also offer free preK 3 for 60 families who fall below federal poverty guidelines, they said. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis next month.

Those classes will be held at a local Head Start school that meets state licensing standards and will contract with the North Bergen school district, the town said.

Registration for preK 3 and 4 will be held Thursday, May 1 in person at the North Bergen preK Center, 8701 Boulevard East. The building is within Braddock Park.

Registration will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Allows Parents To Work, Kids To Learn

Traditionally, free preK has been offered in low-income districts across the country to give younger students a "head start" on education and socialization, particularly basic skills like writing and math.

These programs also allow parents to work and support their families without spending thousands on day care each week.

“Free full-day preK will be a game changer for parents in North Bergen who will not only see their children begin their educational journey with the best possible start, but will also save an estimated $10,000 per year by no longer being forced to pay out-of-pocket for daycare,” said North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco, who is also a state senator.

He added, “I would like to commend Superintendent Solter, our school district administrative team and our Board of Education for their tremendous leadership and commitment to our children and our community. The North Bergen school district has always produced exceptional results despite having limited financial resources."

In 2022, the district announced that North Bergen High School, which educates kids from that town and nearby Guttenberg, had four students accepted to very competitive Ivy League colleges: Minna Adbella to Princeton University, Kelly Cho to the University of Pennsylvania, Jose Matos to Dartmouth University, and Denish Patel to Princeton University.

As part of the district’s School Realignment Plan, which includes the opening of the new North Bergen Junior High School this September, the district will no longer use the long controversial trailers in Braddock Park, a county park.

The town hopes to create a permanent modular classroom building at the site that will allow the district to expand free preK 3 to more students, they said.

“Numerous studies have shown the tremendous benefits of early childhood education and the North Bergen school district is proud to offer free full day preK programs for the first time to better meet the needs of both our students and parents,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. George Solter.

Read more about the town's school realignment plan here.