Admissions Process
Sand Tots’ admissions process mirrors the relationship-based nature of our cooperative preschool. We believe that early childhood learning is built on trusting relationships, and therefore spend the time getting to know prospective families and what they are looking for in a preschool. Simultaneously, we strive to provide families with an understanding of our philosophy and unique cooperative component. Our admissions process ensures that every family that enrolls at Sand Tots shares a similar philosophy and goal – that each child is instilled with a deep love of learning that will serve them throughout their life.
Applying to Sand Tots
Get to Know Us
We ask each family to review our website to understand our play-based philosophy, approach to learning, and unique cooperative component.
Get in Touch
If, after reviewing our website, you would like additional information or have questions, you may fill out our inquiry form.
A member of the Admissions Team will get in touch with you to provide more information or answer any questions you may have.
Tour Our School
Our tours provide parents with a first-hand experience of Sand Tots. On the tour, parents will be able to explore our environment and see our philosophy and programs in action.
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to meet with a member of our Admissions Team and Director/Assistant Director.
Tours are kept small so that we can get to know our prospective families and provide them with the opportunity to answer questions.
Tours are typically held between October and March of each year and last approximately 45 minutes.
Parents are welcome to tour at any time, even prior to the birth of their child.
To request a tour, we ask that you complete a short form so that we may contact you to schedule a tour.
Please do not call the office to schedule a tour
Apply
Applications can be submitted at any time after the birth of the child (regardless of whether you have toured). However, in order for your child to be considered for enrollment, you MUST have toured our campus.
A $50 application fee must be submitted along with the application (a link to PayPal will be provided).
Note: Submitting an application is not a guarantee that the child will be offered enrollment.
The Admissions Decision
Applicants are considered for enrollment ONLY when we have received an application, the application fee, and at least one parent has completed a tour.
There are a number of factors that affect admissions decisions each year; the first major factor is the number of spaces available in each program and class. Classes are carefully built with the overall class composition in mind, so that the community of learners and families reflect a balance of age, gender, background, interests, and abilities.
Once our current families re-enroll for the following year, the number of openings is determined and the Admissions Team begins the process of filling the classes. Applicants with currently enrolled siblings are given priority, along with applicants with siblings who have recently graduated from Sand Tots. Special consideration is offered to alumni families, families who have previously attended another cooperative preschool (a reference letter from the previous Director is required), and deferred applicants.
The Admissions Team strives to notify applicants of their acceptance by mid-March, via phone or email. If an applicant family cannot accept the enrollment offered, the child’s name can be retained in the applicant pool for later consideration. Once classes are filled, enrollment takes place on a rolling basis, as openings become available throughout the school year. Spaces are filled according to class needs and enrollment priorities.