Early Childhood

Preschool Program: Children must be 3 prior to September 1

Junior Kindergarten: Children must be 4 prior to September 1

Senior Kindergarten: Children must be 5 prior to September 1

Q. What are the preschool and junior kindergarten schedule choices?

A. Preschool has two program options:

1. Three days per week (Tu, W, Th)
2. Five days per week 

Both preschool and junior kindergarten are available as half-day or full-day:

• Morning Half-Day Program (8:10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)
• Full Day Program (8:10 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.)

Q. What is the deadline for committing to a half or full day program?

A. Full- or half-day choice selections are needed as soon as possible and before admission decisions are sent. Your choice will not impact our decisions; we need to know so we can send appropriate acceptance letters and contracts. If families are having a hard time making a choice or would like to make a change to their choice, they can reach out to the Admission Office anytime.

Q. What will my child be doing if they stay for the afternoon?

A. After rest time, preschool and junior kindergarten students engage in a rich period of child-initiated exploration. This dedicated time allows children to deepen their independence as they choose from a wide array of activities that spark their curiosity. It's a prime opportunity for collaboration with peers, as they naturally come together to build, create, and imagine, fostering their negotiation skills as they navigate shared spaces and ideas. These periods also include recess, snack, and closing circle activities, all contributing to a holistic and developmentally rich afternoon.

Q. Do you require children to be toilet independent by by the start of preschool and junior kindergarten?

A. Yes, we do require children to be toilet independent. However, we partner and collaborate with families when needed. To learn more tips on toilet training, please click here to view our most recent virtual workshop.

Q. How does lunch work?

A. All preschool and junior kindergarten students will eat lunch in their classrooms. Parents can either sign up for the Lunch Program or send a lunch prepared from home. Please do not send lunches with peanut butter, peanuts, coconut, or any kind of tree nuts to protect students with allergies.

Q. How do snacks work?

Parents will provide two daily snacks for their children. The school has spare snacks on hand in case a child occasionally forgets one. Please make sure the snacks you are sending to school are allergen-free and that you inform your child’s teacher and the School Nurse of any food allergies or sensitivities your child may have so that we can ensure everyone is bringing snacks that are safe for the whole classroom.

Q. How do you handle allergies, sensitivities, and other health issues?

A. We encourage all families to learn about how to protect children with food and other allergies, asthma, and other health issues. To learn more, see the Catherine Cook Allergy Guidelines. Children wash hands with soap before snacks and lunch and after bathroom visits and recess; each classroom has a bathroom and hand sanitizer. Prior to the beginning of each school year, the School Nurse, teachers, and the Division Head will meet with families of children with allergies or other health issues to learn about your child’s specific health needs, and to develop an Allergy Action Plan or other protocols to keep your child safe and healthy at school.

Q. How does rest time work?

A. Preschool rest time is scheduled for 90 minutes and junior kindergarten is scheduled for 60 minutes. We recognize that many three- and four-year-olds may resist or not need to go to sleep, but they need this quiet time to consolidate the learning and to refresh for the afternoon and evening. Children may lie down or sit on their cots and relax with a book if they do not sleep. Each child may bring three items for rest time comfort (e.g. a blanket, a stuffed animal, and a favorite book).