Enrollment FAQ
Are there age requirements to apply?
Children most appropriate for our learning program will turn 4 years old by September 1 to apply for our Pre-K room, and 5 years old by September 1 to apply for our Kindergarten. Children with a birthday close to the date cutoff may be considered during the admission process. Contact Lora Kolmer (lorak@thevalleyschool.org) to explore this option.
When should a family begin the admission process?
We encourage families to begin the process one year prior to the year they would like to enroll (i.e.: September 2020 for the September 2021-June 2022 school year).
Admission decisions will be released on March 19, 2021 at noon.
Will our family be able to tour the campus?
When you initiate the online application process, you'll see a section to Schedule A Tour. That section contains a link to sign up for a campus tour. We look forward to meeting you and walking you through our unique school program. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, our tour will take place at the end of our school day when no teachers or students remain on campus. While you will not see our school in action, you will get a sense of our school campus and program as you learn, explore, and walk through each classroom.
Each tour time slot will accommodate two families (4 people maximum). All guests must wear a mask, and follow physical distancing guidelines while visiting our campus. Upon arriving, guests will have their temperature taken, and be required to fill out a health screening form to maintain our health and safety protocols.
This tour is for adults only.
Will my student be able to visit Valley?
Usually student visits take place in late February or early March on the Valley School campus. We will determine how student visits will take place in this admission season by the application deadline in mid-January and notify any applicant families regarding sign up.
What is Valley looking for in a student and family?
At The Valley School, there isn't just one quality or character trait that we look for in our students and families. Instead, we look for families who will help us build and create an ideal learning environment for each class.
Valley students who excel in our academic program are curious and willing to make mistakes. They ask questions, and explore the world around them. They show kindness to their peers and teachers, and are ready to engage in purposeful play, playful work, and the practice of community.
Valley families acknowledge that each child learns and thrives in their own way, and will create their own path to success with support and encouragement from their school environment. They are supportive and understanding of risks and mistakes, and show kindness to all Valley community members.
What happens if my student is placed on the waitlist?
Students placed on the waitlist are a good fit for the Valley program, but space is not available. After the family decision deadline at the end of March, we will reach out to families on our waitlist regarding any available spaces. Waitlist applicants are offered space based on classroom composition and do not have a specific place in the waitlist.