How difficult is it to get into CDS/other top NOVA privates?

[Anonymous]

Anyone know what the general admission stats are for these schools? Just trying to set expectations before these March admissions decisions…(still think this is kind of nuts for preschool, but here we are…)? Looking at Country Day School McLean in particular. TIA.

[Anonymous]

CDS is a preschool, not a top NOVA private. I’m confused by this question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:CDS is a preschool, not a top NOVA private. I’m confused by this question.

Whatever people consider to be the top private *preschools* in the area - still new to this and am assuming some of the more popular/top preschools are more difficult to get in to than others but don’t really have a sense for how difficult (like should I expect there’s a fair chance we’ll be waitlisted/rejected)? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

There’s a ton of preschools out there. I don’t know how competitive it is but it’s not like private. There’s a lot of options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:CDS is a preschool, not a top NOVA private. I’m confused by this question.

Whatever people consider to be the top private *preschools* in the area - still new to this and am assuming some of the more popular/top preschools are more difficult to get in to than others but don’t really have a sense for how difficult (like should I expect there’s a fair chance we’ll be waitlisted/rejected)? Thanks.

We got rejected from a non-top preschool so yes I think there is a fair chance the "top" preschools may reject your child. They wouldn't be considered "top" preschools if they accepted everyone. I would venture to guess that if you are looking for full-day and extended care. I've heard at some places if you are willing to do an afternoon program vs morning that helps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:CDS is a preschool, not a top NOVA private. I’m confused by this question.

Whatever people consider to be the top private *preschools* in the area - still new to this and am assuming some of the more popular/top preschools are more difficult to get in to than others but don’t really have a sense for how difficult (like should I expect there’s a fair chance we’ll be waitlisted/rejected)? Thanks.

We got rejected from a non-top preschool so yes I think there is a fair chance the "top" preschools may reject your child. They wouldn't be considered "top" preschools if they accepted everyone. I would venture to guess that if you are looking for full-day and extended care. I've heard at some places if you are willing to do an afternoon program vs morning that helps.

Sorry meant to say full-day/extended care may be in highest demand. And morning programs vs afternoon.

[Anonymous]

Bump - also wondering this. Particularly for Country Day McLean as I have heard it’s been tough to get in, especially recently.

[Anonymous]

The top tier preschools that feed elite privates are aligned with SAH mom schedules. They are not dual working parent friendly. Think 9am - 2pm coverage. Lots of holidays. No coverage over the summer. If both parents work, they will also need to spring for a nanny to handle pick up

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The top tier preschools that feed elite privates are aligned with SAH mom schedules. They are not dual working parent friendly. Think 9am - 2pm coverage. Lots of holidays. No coverage over the summer. If both parents work, they will also need to spring for a nanny to handle pick up

I would hope that work status wouldn’t affect admissions - if dual working parents apply, theoretically they’ve got childcare outside of the preschool hours secured.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The top tier preschools that feed elite privates are aligned with SAH mom schedules. They are not dual working parent friendly. Think 9am - 2pm coverage. Lots of holidays. No coverage over the summer. If both parents work, they will also need to spring for a nanny to handle pick up

Sounds similar to Early Years in Arlington

[shaninamin]

Anonymous wrote:The top tier preschools that feed elite privates are aligned with SAH mom schedules. They are not dual working parent friendly. Think 9am - 2pm coverage. Lots of holidays. No coverage over the summer. If both parents work, they will also need to spring for a nanny to handle pick up

We have been finding this, too, and it’s extremely frustrating and stuck in the 1950s. One school we toured chastised us for inquiring if they had extended day since four hours is apparently already ‘too long’ for the kids. Ok, cool, but some of us have to work. Frustrating that those schools are easy ins for the competitive kindergarten processes.

[shaninamin]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The top tier preschools that feed elite privates are aligned with SAH mom schedules. They are not dual working parent friendly. Think 9am - 2pm coverage. Lots of holidays. No coverage over the summer. If both parents work, they will also need to spring for a nanny to handle pick up

I would hope that work status wouldn’t affect admissions - if dual working parents apply, theoretically they’ve got childcare outside of the preschool hours secured.

I’m not paying for my kids’ full day daycare *and* a part-day preschool and take the time to shuttle them back and forth midday. That’s illogical.

[Anonymous]

Most people have nannies or au pairs who go to those preschools and plan to go private.

[Anonymous]

shaninamin wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The top tier preschools that feed elite privates are aligned with SAH mom schedules. They are not dual working parent friendly. Think 9am - 2pm coverage. Lots of holidays. No coverage over the summer. If both parents work, they will also need to spring for a nanny to handle pick up

I would hope that work status wouldn’t affect admissions - if dual working parents apply, theoretically they’ve got childcare outside of the preschool hours secured.

I’m not paying for my kids’ full day daycare *and* a part-day preschool and take the time to shuttle them back and forth midday. That’s illogical.

Then you like our family would not apply to a part day preschool. It works for other families, good for them. We enrolled our child in a program that we could afford and provided full day care.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bump - also wondering this. Particularly for Country Day McLean as I have heard it’s been tough to get in, especially recently.

Are you a country day booster? Times must be tough.