I think they try to have each child spend 1 on 1 time with a teacher or administrator during the process.

And a schoolday is much longer than 2 hours, so it shouldn't be a problem, at least for kids who've been to pre-K.

Non-DC person here but all of my son's private school playdates were 2 hours.

Maybe that's a good thing for families with no connections - they really want to get to know the child. That's at least what I'm hoping as our DC applies for K this year!

I don't think it's that long for the kids if they're accustomed to a preschool day.

Given that it's so difficult for non-connected kids to gain entry, does anyone have any insight on why Maret's play date (2 hours) is so much longer than other schools?

I suppose the extra 30 or 45 minutes per multiple play date is negligible for staff, but it is quite a lengthy period of time for the 4- and 5-year-old set.