Kindergarten enrollment in the New Paltz Central School District (NPCSD) is projected to drop sharply this fall, with just 66 students expected compared to 99 last year. The district shared the figure last week in a community update ahead of the 2025–26 school year, framing it as part of a broader discussion about declining enrollment trends.
Like other local school districts, the NPCSD has seen its student population decline over the past few decades. In some districts, those drops have led to the closure of elementary schools and consolidation of services. In New Paltz, that conversation continues, particularly with the 2024-25 enrollment of 1,678 falling to a projected 1,569 this year.
In an August 21 letter to the community, Superintendent Stephen Gratto said that figure was a sharp contrast to the New Paltz High School Class of 2025’s graduating class totaling 147, but there are signs of a quick recovery next year.
“The good news is that our pre-K enrollment is at an all-time high,” Gratto said. “Since not all students in our district attend our pre-K program, this would lead us to believe that our kindergarten enrollment in 2026 will be higher than the 66 we are seeing for 2025.”
Pre-K enrollment for 2025-26 is 73 as of press time.
A consolidation presentation by former Ulster County BOCES Superintendent Charles Khoury is planned for the school board meeting on Wednesday, September 3.
“Specifically, he will be telling the board what changes would be required if the Duzine (Elementary) building were to close, the financial future of the district if the Duzine building is not closed, and the financial future of the district if the board decides to consolidate and close the Duzine building,” Gratto said in the community update.
Food for thought
The NPCSD is entering its second year of five offering free breakfast and lunch for all students through a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) grant.
“As long as the CEP remains fully funded by the government, we will continue to provide these services,” Gratto said. “We encourage all students to take full advantage of them.”
While the bulk of the NPCSD’s efforts are focused on students in grades pre-K–12, it is also offering a continuing education program of more than 25 courses for members of the community, faculty, staff and current students. The district plans to share a brochure of course offerings shortly, with classes running from mid-September through the first week of December.
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