What is the difference between toddler, preschool, and prekindergarten?
Toddler Classes
- 31 months old by Sept 1, 2024 -DO NOT need to be potty trained
Preschool Classes
- 3 years old by Sept 1, 2024 - MUST BE potty trained
Pre-Kindergarten Classes
- 4 years old by Sept 1, 2024 - MUST BE FULLY potty trained
What is the difference between potty trained and fully potty trained?
Fully potty trained means that a child does not wear a pull up and can tend to their own bathroom needs with little to no assistance. However, we understand that accidents still may happen.
How strict are your age requirements?
We make very few exceptions. However, if you feel that your situation is unique, please call the office at 717-509-6248 and speak with the Director, Susan Hixson.
What is an extended day class?
An extended day class is a prekindergarten class that meets 9:00 – 1:00 instead of 9:00 - 11:30 like the regular session classes. In addition to eating lunch with their classmates, extended day students also participate in an extra hour of class time.
If I plan to have my child do only one year of prekindergarten, which class should I choose?
All of our prekindergarten classes are structured to prepare your child for kindergarten. Because the 4 day and extended day options require your child to be away from home for a longer period of time, they are good choices for transitioning to a full day kindergarten.
Is there a registration deadline?
We accept applications on a rolling basis until January but encourage you to apply before the end of April as most of our classes are full by then.
My first choice class is full. Is there a waitlist?
If your first choice class is full, we will place you in your second choice class and on the waitlist for your first choice. If your second choice is full, we will place you in your third choice class and put you on the waitlists for your first and second choices. If all of your class choices are full, we will place you on the waitlist for all three of your choices. We will notify you by email or phone if/when something opens up.
We try to update the website as soon as a class fills so that you know what your options are before applying. This may not be accurately reflected on the first day applications are available as there are so many submitted at one time, we have a little delay between processing applications and updating the website.
Is there a registration fee and can it be refunded?
The registration fee is $125 and is nonrefundable. $50 of the fee will be applied as a credit to your first month’s tuition bill.
Can I fill out the application using my phone?
Yes, but it works best if done on a computer.
How/when will I know if my child is officially enrolled?
Once you submit an application online, you’ll receive an email acknowledging that we’ve received it. We’ll review the application, send another email indicating that we’ve approved your application and send an invoice for the $125 registration fee. The official enrollment email will be sent after we receive your registration fee payment.
When does the 2024-25 school year begin and end?
Orientations will be held August 19-22. A letter will be sent in June indicating your child’s specific day and time.
First Day of School:
- Monday-Thursday and Mon/Wed classes begin on Monday, August 26, 2024.
- Tues/Thurs and Tues/Wed/Thurs classes begin on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
Last day of school:
- Mon/Wed classes will end on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
- Mon-Thurs, Tues/Wed/Thurs, and Tues/Wed/Thurs classes will end on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
How does billing work?
We have three payment options: annual, biannual, and monthly. The first invoice will be emailed August 1 and due by August Orientation.
- Annual payment option: one payment for full tuition due by August Orientation. (There is a discount with an annual payment option.)
- Biannual payment option: first payment due by August Orientation and second payment due January, 10.
- Monthly payment option: 8 payments – first payment is due at August Orientation the rest are due the 10th of each month October through April.
Do you have scholarships?
Yes, we do! A link for these scholarships will be posted by the end of March under the financial aid section of our menu. The deadline for submission is June 30, 2025.
Can I have an in-person tour?
Yes, please join us at one of our open houses for a tour and information session. Open house dates: Monday, January 15th 10:00 – 11:00 am, Friday, January 26th 10:00 – 11:00 am, Monday, January 29th 6:00 - 7:00 pm and Monday, February 12th 10:00 – 11:00 am. You may sign up on the Calvary Preschool website under the enrollment section of the menu.
Why do the prekindergarten classes fill so fast?
Families are often surprised at how quickly the prekindergarten classes fill after registration opens up for new students. Families currently enrolled at CPS are able to register first. As most of our preschool students do continue on here, our prekindergarten classes fill to about 70% capacity before we open it up to new families.
Are there any summer events for enrolled students?
Yes, we have a student orientation at the end of August. We also will have scheduled Playground and Popsicles days where enrolled students and parents can come to meet other families and play on the playground.
How does drop off/pick up work?
Parents park outside of our preschool entrance and walk their child to class. For drop off, outside doors will open at 8:45 and classroom doors will open at 8:55. For pick up, outside doors will open at 11:15 and classroom doors will open at 11:25 or 12:55 (extended). Each family is given a security id before the first day of class which they present to the checkpoint person as they enter the secure classroom hallway.
What is Lunch Bunch?
Lunch Bunch is an afterschool program for regular session preschool or prekindergarten students that meets every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30 to 1:00. This mixed age group eats lunch together and then participates in an enrichment activity as well as some gym/outside play time. You may sign up for as many days as you want. The cost is $12 per session. More information regarding this will be available at our August Orientation.