getting deposit back?

[Anonymous]

DD was accepted for pre-k at our first choice school. We happily sent in our deposit, with the understanding that there were about 21 kids in the class, roughly equally divided between boys and girls. It turns out that there are only 14 kids in the class and our dd would be one of only 3 girls. I don't think that's acceptable and so no longer want to go to the school. Do you think it's reasonable to ask for our deposit back, on the ground that what's being provided is different from what was offered?

[Anonymous]

Absolutely !

[Anonymous]

I don't believe the school will refund your deposit. There likely was nothing in the enrollment contract which specified an assurance of a gender ratio.

[Anonymous]

Did they guarantee 21 kids with an even gender ratio or did they say this was the average type of kindergarten class and this year it is different? I can't imagine a school that would guarantee numbers and genders.

[Anonymous]

First, I think it's kind of wierd that you are disappointed that your child will have a smaller class size. I would be happy about that.

Second, I really don't think gender ratio is a big deal at all....especially at that age.

I think you should relax and send your child to the school as it was your first choice after all.

[Anonymous]

The didn't make any guarantees. I don't really care about the smaller class size -- it's the same ratios, because it's one less teacher, but I don't care either way -- and I would be fine if there were slightly more boys than girls. But only 3 girls doesn't leave many options for dd to have friends. And I do think it makes a difference. Many boys (not all, of course, but many) gravitate toward big motor stuff and blocks and cars and dd -- and all of dd's friends this year -- gravitate toward art stuff and dress up and things like that. So I'm concerned for her socially.

[Anonymous]

I think it would be a reasonable request. It's unlikely that they're contractually obligated, but they might agree to refund your deposit anyway.

[Anonymous]

I would ask for the deposit back. This has happened to a friend in another city--very small class for PK--not sure what she is doing but she is not happy about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The didn't make any guarantees. I don't really care about the smaller class size -- it's the same ratios, because it's one less teacher, but I don't care either way -- and I would be fine if there were slightly more boys than girls. But only 3 girls doesn't leave many options for dd to have friends. And I do think it makes a difference. Many boys (not all, of course, but many) gravitate toward big motor stuff and blocks and cars and dd -- and all of dd's friends this year -- gravitate toward art stuff and dress up and things like that. So I'm concerned for her socially.

I still don't think you should be concerned. She'll likely just become very close with the other 2 girls in the class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The didn't make any guarantees. I don't really care about the smaller class size -- it's the same ratios, because it's one less teacher, but I don't care either way -- and I would be fine if there were slightly more boys than girls. But only 3 girls doesn't leave many options for dd to have friends. And I do think it makes a difference. Many boys (not all, of course, but many) gravitate toward big motor stuff and blocks and cars and dd -- and all of dd's friends this year -- gravitate toward art stuff and dress up and things like that. So I'm concerned for her socially.

I would actually be more upset about the fact that they are going from 2 teachers to 1 - it isn't the same ratio (14*2=28). So I would argue that. Also, if this is your first choice, is it possible that more girls will enter the grade the following year so you can go with this class and hope for better b/g ratios next year? Like the pp said, the girls will probably be really tight and that will be nice. Some of the boys will want to join the girls and play -- of course, there will be some who only want to do the traditionally boy activities but others will dabble in playing house, doing art, etc. as well. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[Anonymous]

You can always ask, but very doubtful you'll get a positive response. Sounds like they may be having enrollment numbers issues, which translates to money issues.

[Anonymous]

They're going from 3 teachers to 2, so that's fine. I'm concerned about the dynamics of a threesome, especially at an age -- 5 -- when I've read girls can begin to be mean to each other. It seems to me -- and my memory of elementary school -- that threesomes can quickly become 2 against 1. But maybe I'm overthinking this. Academically, I continue to think the school is a great fit, but socially I'm quite worried.

[Anonymous]

certainly possible more girls will be admitted over the summer

[Anonymous]

Ask but you did sign a contract! So expect nothing. If they so no, accept it.

[Anonymous]

My DD was one of a small number of girls in her preschool and I really liked that she played more with some boys. At that age they really did a lot of neutral play (outside, indoor sandbox, painting, building, etc and the boys were very willing to play in the kitchen area as well) Things evened out more the following year but it's still boy heavy in Gr. 3. No biggie.