Question about small class

[Anonymous]

First I am posting from outside DC, so not referencing a local school. DD is 3 (turning 4 in June). She has attended a lovely play-based preschool since age 2.

The school building suffered a weather-related accident earlier this year. Renovation of the affected space will impact the school next year and has thrown enrollment into disarray. There are 12 kids in DD current class. To date I know that at least 5 families are leaving for other schools; 4 families are committed to attend in the fall.

The school has said they may do a 3-4 year old combo class (as opposed to a 3 year old class and 4 year old class), and DD would be one of the older kids. Currently she is the youngest kid in her class bc of June bday. I love the convenience and the charm of her current program but I am concerned about the small size. The families staying are all lovely, as are teachers and director.

Another school has an opening for DD. Its a prek-8 school that I was already considering having her attend staring in K. That said its further away from our home and more expensive. One reason I would send her this year is that I wouldnt want to jeopardize the possibility of a kindergarten spot.

WWYD?

[Anonymous]

So wait, there would only be 4 kids in the Fall in her classroom? But aren't some of the 2s going to move up to the 3s/4s mixed class so there would be more children?

What is the total # of children that the director wants to have to consider the room full? Is the director actively recruiting and doing tours to fill those spaces? You can ask her and find out what she is hoping/expecting for.

Having only 4 kids in a room would be hard unless they were all 31/2 to 4 years old. If it's 3 barely 3 yr olds and your daughter, that won't be enough kids to really play together and challenge each other. But surely the director is trying to enroll more children? Having only 4 kids in a room is going to be financially impossible.

Moving now would mean all the things: more $, farther commute, but at least you'd know that your child will be in that program for kindergarten.

What % of kids in their 4s room move to their kindergarten room? Is it mostly that kids leave that private school's 4s room and go to public? 50/50? What's the chance of getting a KIndergarten space from the "outside?"

For ex:
4s room has 12 kids, Kindergarten has 20 kids - and 50% leave for public school - easy to get in

4s room has 12 kids, all kids stay for kindergarten which has 20 kids, still would have 8 spaces.

4s room with 20 kids, and kindergarten has 20 kids and usually all/most stay from PreK to kindergarten? You gotta go NOW because the chance of getting in would be very low.