The Admissions Process
How to apply:
Complete this online application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMjhzbWj8oZmnWfPUACr9MnVPtNwRe8Dvmq8vPjHMpLAE1Aw/viewform?usp=sf_link
Call : 899-3716
Email: [email protected]
Download an application (found at the bottom of this page) and send it to us.
Timeline for the application and admission process
As soon as possible: Submit an application.
Names are added to our waitlist once we receive a completed application. Children of alumni and siblings of alumni are added to the list for enrollment. All other applicants are added to our waitlist in order of receipt. Your application, along with the non-refundable $50 application fee, will place your child on the list for the school year they are eligible for. The application may be sent via email, mailed in or dropped off at the school. Application fees may be paid by check or via Venmo.
After submitting an application: Schedule a tour.
A tour will give you a chance to learn more about the process of finding a preschool that is a good fit for you and your child, and will give you the opportunity to learn more about our program specifically. Tours can be scheduled as soon as your application is received, or can wait until closer to your child’s start date.
One year before your child begins preschool: Look for an email regarding your child’s enrollment status
In October or November of the year before your child is due to begin preschool, we make up our enrollment lists. We start by admitting all children of alumni and siblings of alumni. Next, we admit children who are on the waitlist in order of when applications were received.
Once you receive an acceptance email: Confirm enrollment for your child
After receiving notification that your child has been accepted for admission at PHS for the following school year, please confirm your decision by sending us a message. Please include any information regarding changes in status since your application was submitted, such as change of address or contact information, changes in health needs or allergies for your child, or family needs.
March: Complete enrollment paperwork
Once we have our enrollment list complete, we will send out links for forms that must be completed for each child. These forms include general information, enrollment form, and permissions. These forms are all online through the Brightwheel app, the app that we use for communicating with families throughout the school year.
April: Apply for Act 166 funds
Poker Hill School is a qualified prekindergarten program through the State of Vermont and therefore children enrolled in Poker Hill School are encouraged to apply for and receive publicly funded tuition (10 hours a week, for 35 weeks during the school year). It is important that families apply through their school district in order to receive this funding.
May: Sign up for summer camp session
In August, we offer half-day summer camps to introduce children to our staff and program. This is a great way for your child to get to know other children in the program, the teachers, and the routines of Poker Hill School. Summer camps are not mandatory, but do offer a great introduction to our program. Camps are billed separately from school year tuition.
What you can do once your application is complete and your child is on the wait list:
*Please keep us updated of any changes in contact information.
*Feel free to email or call with any questions.
Alumni and Sibling Application and Enrollment Policy:
The guaranteed enrollment of the siblings of current Poker Hill School students & alumni children has always been and continues to be a goal & priority for PHS. However, there are years when the number of returning students and/or siblings exceeds expectations and in these circumstances in order to manage enrollment and maintain the high quality of our programming, we may need to decline some students. With sibling enrollment so unpredictable from year to year and more & more children of alumni applying to PHS every year, we felt it was necessary to make our enrollment process & policies clear.
-An application needs to be submitted for all siblings and alumni.
-The deadline for submitting an application for all applicants, including siblings and alumni, is September 30, one year prior to enrollment.
-Families planning on attending PHS must submit enrollment forms and a 10% deposit due May 10.
For circumstances in which we have more applicants than spaces available, enrollment will be determined using the following prioritization hierarchy:
1. Students who are children of Poker Hill School staff.
2. Currently enrolled students.
3. Students with currently enrolled siblings.
4. Children who are sibling alumni.
5. Children of a parent who attended Poker Hill School.
6. Students who are new to the school with no staff, sibling, or alumni relationship.
Other info:
*If you are interested in your child attending Poker Hill School it is never too early to apply.
*If you do not live close by, but are planning to move to the area, please contact us to learn more about our program even if you are unable to visit for a while.
*Once you have been offered and accept a spot at PHS, you will be sent mailings throughout the spring and summer in preparation for the school year.
*Please note that state funding for preschool programs and universal public preschool policies are constantly being reviewed and amended. Our current programs reflect the needs of our community at this time. Those interested in submitting applications for future enrollment should be aware that our programs, in terms of number of days and times offered as well as ages of children we serve, may change as state legislation evolves.
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