Pre-K FAQ Group of Smiling Children

Pre-k/Kindergarten – Frequently Asked Questions

What are the scheduling options for Pre-k and Kindergarten?

Pre-kindergarten Scheduling Options
Children age 3 to 5 years who are toilet-trained may enroll two mornings per week (Monday/Tuesday), three mornings per week (Wednesday/Thursday/Friday) or five mornings per week. The Pre-kindergarten core curriculum is taught in the morning from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Children may enroll for aftercare two, three or five days per week. Aftercare for Pre-kindergarten is from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., to 4:15 p.m. or to 5:15 p.m.

Kindergarten Scheduling Options
Kindergartners age 4 ½ to 6 years must attend five mornings per week between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon. Aftercare is available until 3:00 p.m. and parents may enroll their children two, three or five afternoons per week. Extended day care is available until 5:15 p.m.

What are the age requirements?

Children must be 3 years old by September 1, 2011 to enter the Pre-k in 2011-2012.

In order to be eligible for first grade, City of Lakes Waldorf School requires a child to be 6 years old by July 1. For the 2011-2012 school year, first graders must be six by July 1, 2011 and children with June and May birthdays are assessed for first grade readiness. For this reason, it is not unusual or socially stigmatized for children to complete two years of Kindergarten.

Must students be potty trained?

Students must be potty trained by the start of the school year.

How many students are enrolled at City of Lakes Waldorf School?

Typical enrollment consists of 45 Pre-K students, 30 Kindergarten students and 175 students in grades 1 through 8.

What is the teacher/student ratio in the Pre-K and Kindergarten?

The teacher/student ratio in the Pre-Kindergarten is 1/7 and in the Kindergarten is 1/8.

Is there an application deadline?

We accept applications throughout the year if space is available.

Is financial assistance available?

Please see the enrollment page for information on tuition assistance. We offer assistance to a third of our students in Kindergarten through Grade 8. Please note that children must be in their last year of Kindergarten in order to be eligible for tuition assistance. Pre-K students are not eligible for assistance.

Is your school accredited?

City of Lakes Waldorf School is accredited by the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America and by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), and the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America.

Is there a religious component to your program?

Waldorf schools are non-sectarian and non-denominational. They espouse no particular religious doctrine but are based on a belief that there is a spiritual dimension to the human being. Waldorf families come from a broad spectrum of religious traditions and interest.

Are computers, television or videos used in the curriculum?

No. We believe that children are best served by an absence of screen time at school and at home. There is plenty of current research supporting this approach.