For "competitive" preschools - honestly, who gets in?

[Anonymous]

Being pleasant (not pushy, obnoxious, etc.) is crucial. After that, it's pretty much connections. If you know several people at the school who put in a good word for you, you're a lot more likely to be accepted than if you know no one. I agree with PP- you'll get into one. It may not be your #1 choice and it be for the afternoon, but you'll get into one. And you'll get into a PK or K after that too!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes. Around five kids and their parents in the classroom, and the teachers observe. A little stressful!!

Any updates on sibling notifications?

What? This is for PRESCHOOL right? Not Pre-K?

[Anonymous]

Yes, and yes!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Yes. Around five kids and their parents in the classroom, and the teachers observe. A little stressful!!

Any updates on sibling notifications?

Oh, DC, you never fail to amuse me!!!

[Anonymous]

Also those who donate / appear to have the means to be donate to fundraising campaigns and the time to volunteer

[Anonymous]

Some of it is just the composition of the class. If they already know that they have 7 girls and 2 boys who are getting in no matter what (i.e. siblings or other reason), then they're probably more likely to take boys from the applicant pool.

It's also personality in terms of how the kids gel and which ones might seem more/less shy or needy. They try to create a balance with different personalities so there's not a predominant type (within reason) but that also it doesn't seem like two kids will totally be at each other's throats all year -- not that this seems at all likely in preschool anyway, but who knows?

Parents being low-maintenance is a good factor. They want parents who seem like they want to be involved but not TOO involved. In other words, they're willing to volunteer when asked and contribute some of their professional skills as needed but won't be breathing down everyone's necks and demanding a change because their kid didn't like the art project the teacher did last week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Yes. Around five kids and their parents in the classroom, and the teachers observe. A little stressful!!

Any updates on sibling notifications?

Oh, DC, you never fail to amuse me!!!

+1

[Anonymous]

Who ARE you people? Are you the Chevy Chase set? Because I don't know of any preschools like this.

[Anonymous]

Seriously - Which schools do this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Who ARE you people? Are you the Chevy Chase set? Because I don't know of any preschools like this.

It is NW DC. It is what is it -- there are a few great preschools in our area with limited space.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Seriously - Which schools do this?

NCRC, Little Folks, Aidan, River, St. John, St. Columbas - many others.

[Anonymous]

Is there a wait list for these preschools? And if so, how soon do we realistically need to get on them? Our DS is 14 months old.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there a wait list for these preschools? And if so, how soon do we realistically need to get on them? Our DS is 14 months old.

The earliest age for attendance is 2.5 years old. You need to start looking in September for your child, who would likely go the following year. You go to Open Houses and then apply in the Fall. In Jan/Feb, there is an informal play date and then you are notified in March.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there a wait list for these preschools? And if so, how soon do we realistically need to get on them? Our DS is 14 months old.

The earliest age for attendance is 2.5 years old. You need to start looking in September for your child, who would likely go the following year. You go to Open Houses and then apply in the Fall. In Jan/Feb, there is an informal play date and then you are notified in March.

Thanks so much!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there a wait list for these preschools? And if so, how soon do we realistically need to get on them? Our DS is 14 months old.

The earliest age for attendance is 2.5 years old. You need to start looking in September for your child, who would likely go the following year. You go to Open Houses and then apply in the Fall. In Jan/Feb, there is an informal play date and then you are notified in March.

Thanks so much!

This is generally true except River School does have a program starting as early as 18 months -- it's a 2-3 day toddler program I believe. Aidan Montessori also has a similar program starting earlier.