Admissions Requirements

The Children's School admits students who exhibit an enthusiasm for learning, have a friendly demeanor, and will be active participants in our exciting learning environment.  The school seeks parents who are dedicated to their child's educational success, support their child's school, and are eager to participate in the school's many programs and activities.

Note: We are accepting applications for a few spots remaining in some classrooms for the 2010-11 school year.

The Children's School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid or other school-administered programs or activities.

Admissions Requirements

• All prospective applicants must meet the age requirements below, fill out an application, submit any necessary supplemental application forms, pay a $100 non-refundable application fee and schedule an assessment appointment (see below).

Assessments

• Assessments are part of the admissions’ process for every child. For younger children, assessments consist of an applicant spending part of a morning class with other children of the same age, allowing TCS teachers to observe him or her in a classroom setting and interacting with a group. Assessments for children in the elementary school vary according to grade level. For older children, the assessment involves reviewing standardized test scores, progress reports and teacher recommendations, as well as participating in an interview and visiting the classroom.

Age Guidelines

• Toddlers Program
  Children must be at least 20-months old by September 1 of the year in which they are applying to attend school. Children between 20-27 months are eligible for enrollment in our T/Th class, which meets from 9:00-11:30 AM. Children between 28-34 months are eligible for enrollment in our MWF class, which meets from 9:00AM-12:00PM. 

• Preschool
  Children must have reached their third birthday by September 1 of the year in which they are applying to attend school, unless previously enrolled in our Toddlers program. The Children’s School is not licensed to change diapers; therefore, all children must also be potty-trained by the time they begin preschool.

            The half-day preschool program meets from 9:00AM-12:00PM.
            The full-day preschool program meets from 9:00AM-3:00PM.
            Preschool morning drop off begins at 8:30AM for both programs.

• Prekindergarten
  In most cases, children must have reached their fourth birthday by September 1 of the year in which they are applying to attend school.

• Kindergarten
  In most cases, children must have reached their fifth birthday by September 1 of the year in which they are applying to attend school.

• First-Eighth Grade
  Assessments are used to determine the best placement for new students. For transfer students, the school relies heavily on information regarding the child’s success in previous schools. Students entering the sixth through eighth grade Nelson Middle Years program are required to take the ISEE test.

• Summer Program
  For the preschool and prekindergarten summer programs, children must be enrolled at TCS for the upcoming school year in order to participate. Kindergarten through eighth grade students from any school may participate in the summer program.