The Greater Amsterdam School District’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Program is dedicated to providing our youngest learners with a high-quality, developmentally appropriate preschool education. Established in 2005, our program is recognized by QUALITYstarsNY for excellence in early childhood education, fostering a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

UPK Program & Contact Information:

Greater Amsterdam School District Pre-K Schools (4-Year-Old UPK Only – No Transportation Provided)

• William H. Barkley Elementary | 66 Destefano St. | (518) 843-1850

• Marie Curie Elementary | 9 Brice St. | (518) 843-2871

• R.J. McNulty Elementary | 60 Brandt Pl. | (518) 843-4773

• William B. Tecler Elementary | 210 Northern Blvd. | (518) 843-4805

• Special Education Department  | 210 Northern Blvd. | (518) 843-3180 Ext. 7303

Community-Based UPK Programs:

• Whispering Pines Preschool (3 & 4-Year-Old UPK)40 Henrietta Blvd. | (518) 843-3003Register through the Greater Amsterdam School District | No Transportation Provided

• Head Start Pre-K (3 & 4-Year-Old UPK)208 Truax Road | (518) 842-0329Register through Head Start | Contact for Transportation Details

• St. Mary’s Institute (4-Year-Old UPK)10 Kopernik Blvd. | (518) 842-4100Register through St. Mary’s Institute | No Transportation Provided

Full-day, district Kindergarten to Grade 5 classes are housed at the four elementary schools in the district.  Each school has its own magnet theme incorporated into regular daily instruction and activities. These schools include:

• William Barkley School, 66 Destefano Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12010

• Marie Curie Elementary School, 9 Brice St, Amsterdam, NY 12010

• R J Mcnulty Academy For International Studies, 60 Brandt Pl, Amsterdam, NY 12010

• William B Tecler Elementary School, 210 Northern Blvd, Amsterdam, NY 12010

Transportation is provided to any elementary school that is more than one mile from a child’s home, as determined by the District.  Please contact any of the elementary schools listed above for more information about the Magnet Programs.

The district’s four elementary schools pride themselves on having an educational program that allows every student to grow and succeed. In addition to favorable class sizes, dedicated staff and active parents, each school offers a variety of programs that incorporate the skills students need for success throughout their education.

Lynch Literacy Academy provides a nurturing environment, which promotes student success, embraces diversity and fosters a sense of community for all.
Students are encouraged to be responsible citizens equipped with the necessary skills to face the challenges of the future as accomplished learners and leaders. To accomplish this, the middle school has a team-teaching approach, combined with strong counseling and support.

The wide variety of programs and opportunities available to Amsterdam High School ensure students become well-rounded individuals who are college and career ready.

The Greater Amsterdam School District believes that all students can and should learn, and strives to ensure its learning standards align with those of New York State Department of Education.

The district has implemented the New York State Learning Standards and has adjusted its goals to reflect a commitment to improving student achievement through staff development, increased parent involvement and engagement of the business community.

GASD is focused on building upon the success of its efforts to increase student performance in reading and raising the graduation rate.

The CDOS Department at the Greater Amsterdam School District uses the following four standards:

Standard 1: Career Development

Students will be knowledgeable about the world of work, explore career options, and relate personal skills, aptitudes, and abilities to future career decisions.

Standard 2: Integrated Learning

Students will demonstrate how academic knowledge and skills are applied in the workplace and other settings.

Standard 3: Universal Foundation Skills

Students will demonstrate mastery of the foundation skills and competencies essential for success in the workplace.

Standard 4: Career Majors

Students who choose a career major will acquire the career-specific technical knowledge/skills necessary to progress toward gainful employment, career advancement, and success in postsecondary programs.

Academic Intervention Services/ Response to Intervention

Greater Amsterdam School District utilizes a Response to Intervention (RTI) Plan to ensure that all students’ progress toward meeting New York State learning standards. The district’s RTI Plan systematically uses New York State Assessment data, along with universal screening results to provide instruction/interventions to students while monitoring their progress. The universal screenings occur three times during the school year (fall, winter, and spring). Students that receive interventions are also progress monitored regularly and supports/interventions are provided accordingly during instruction. 
 
The district’s Response to Interventions (RTI) Plan is accessible on the district website and includes the criteria and process for determining students who must receive RTI services, as well as Academic Intervention Services. Specifically, the district plan weighs students’ performance on New York State Assessments along with STAR Benchmarking results to determine which students receive Academic Intervention Services. 
 
If you have questions regarding our RTI or AIS Plans, please feel free to contact students’ teachers, principals, as well as district level administration in the Office of Testing and Academics.