preschool waitlists

[Anonymous]

I have a 7 month old and live in Alexandria. I was wondering when I need to start looking at preschools. I'm guessing now is too soon, but not sure when to start. Are admissions and start dates rolling? Is it necessary to get on waitlists or will I be able to sign up at the open houses? Thanks-

[Anonymous]

Most part-time preschools in your area will not let you put your name on the waitlist until it is the year you are applying. You may want to attend some of the preschool fairs next year to get an idea of what schools you are interested in that have 2 and 3 year old programs.

[Anonymous]

In my experience, admissions are generally not rolling. Most schools start taking applications in the mid-late fall for admission the following year. Call each school to get the exact dates. I would not wait for open houses, as the schools may already have started to take applications by then.

[Anonymous]

One exception to this in Alexandria is the pre-school associated with St. Paul's Episcopal Church. It's in Old Town and it's useful to apply (consists of submitting an application and I think about $25). They have a preference for siblings and church members, but after that I believe it's based on when you submitted an application. I think that each year a few non-church members are accepted, but I'm not positive. It's starts at 3 years, and everyone I know there really likes it.