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

[Anonymous]

We applied for a couple preschools with applications and play dates. Most of the families seem nice and the kids seem average/normal--no crazy meltdowns or violence! So how do the schools pick, aside from the obvious legacies/siblings/diversity/gender issues?

[Anonymous]

Parents who come through as "low maintenance" have better chances.

[Anonymous]

What are some of the schools that are considered competitive preschools? I thought most were lotteries or based on when you apply?

[Anonymous]

Connections baby!

[Anonymous]

How can parents come across as high-maintenance during the admissions process? The vast majority of parents will just be friendly and normal.

[Anonymous]

Wish I had some connections....

[Anonymous]

Don't worry, OP. The numbers tend to work out. You will get into a good preschool. In addition, the waitlists do move.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How can parents come across as high-maintenance during the admissions process? The vast majority of parents will just be friendly and normal.

You'd be surprised.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What are some of the schools that are considered competitive preschools? I thought most were lotteries or based on when you apply?

NP here -- but from what I know: NCRC, Little Folks, St. Johns, River, Aidan. I'm sure there are others.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We applied for a couple preschools with applications and play dates. Most of the families seem nice and the kids seem average/normal--no crazy meltdowns or violence! So how do the schools pick, aside from the obvious legacies/siblings/diversity/gender issues?

I'm curious too. Obviously if you get a strong letter from a board member/current family that probably can't hurt. There were some preschools we visited that seemed very engaged and interested in our child but there was one in particular where I felt like they barely noticed us/our child and it was a bit of an unorganized playdate --- maybe they already knew who they were accepting and had all the slots filled? For us, I definitely felt more connected with some over others -- i.e.: made a personal connection, felt more at ease etc. I wonder if those are the ones where we're more likely to be accepted.


Guess we will see......just hope we get accepted to one!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We applied for a couple preschools with applications and play dates. Most of the families seem nice and the kids seem average/normal--no crazy meltdowns or violence! So how do the schools pick, aside from the obvious legacies/siblings/diversity/gender issues?

I'm curious too. Obviously if you get a strong letter from a board member/current family that probably can't hurt. There were some preschools we visited that seemed very engaged and interested in our child but there was one in particular where I felt like they barely noticed us/our child and it was a bit of an unorganized playdate --- maybe they already knew who they were accepting and had all the slots filled? For us, I definitely felt more connected with some over others -- i.e.: made a personal connection, felt more at ease etc. I wonder if those are the ones where we're more likely to be accepted.


Guess we will see......just hope we get accepted to one!

You will. Don't worry. Lots of good schools out there.

[Anonymous]

Wait - preschools judge your kid based on playdates? Like a baby interview?

[Anonymous]

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

Any updates on sibling notifications?

[Anonymous]

All things being roughly equal, the one who gets in is the one with the pleasant yet eager parents. No PITAs (Pain in the A..)

[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?

Which school?