What does it mean to be toilet proficient for Painted Oak?

It is required that all children be toilet proficient in order to enroll into our Forest Kindergarten program, aimed at 31/2 - 5 year olds. A child is toilet proficient when he/she recognizes his/her body’s need to void and can go to the bathroom independently; get their own pants and underwear down, void, pull their own underwear and pants up, flush and wash. Teachers are available to guide and support wiping but should not be regarded as necessary in order for the child to be successful.
If a child needs more than the occasional reminder to check-in with his/her own body, outside of the regular scheduled bathroom breaks, he/she is not yet toilet proficient but is rather in the process of potty training. Wearing disposable training pants (Pull-Ups) and diapers are not acceptable (this includes during nap time) if over the age of 3.

 

What is involved when completing the application?

Our application is completely online and can be accessed through our website starting December 15th. You will create a family account where you will be able to access your application, complete enrollment documents and submit tuition payments in the future. The set up of your account and completing the application will take a little bit of time so please make sure you allow for this. Here you will select the program(s) and the number of days desired for your child’s schedule. We will try our best to accommodate you.

 

How are admission decisions made?

Applications are reviewed in the order that they are received, however, Painted Oak does not admit students on a first-come, first-served basis. Rather, in making admissions decisions, we are dedicated to:

                 ** sustaining our school's commitment to cooperative, multiage learning environments

                 ** creating class rosters that balance age, gender, and learning style

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What if I have not applied by March 15th?

If there are unfilled spots in a class, we will continue to accept applications until the class is full.  If all classes are full after this date you can apply for the waitlist.  Please contact the Admissions Office, enrollpons@gmail.com, to discuss your situation.

 

Is there a deposit to confirm my child’s spot for the Fall?

A percentage of the yearly tuition is required to confirm your child's enrollment at our school.  This 20% deposit will be applied to your annual tuition total and is non-refundable if the enrollment commitment is not fulfilled.

Sibling discounts are extended to families who choose PONS for their young family. For families with 2 children enrolled at Painted Oak, a 5% discount will be taken off of the youngest child's school tuition, if 3 children are enrolled, 10% will be taken off of the third child's school tuition,  if 4 or more children are enrolled, 15% will be taken off of the youngest child's school tuition, etc.

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When and how will I be notified about admission decisions?

Admission decisions will be communicated through email beginning in March for new families, approximately 2 weeks after your PONS Playdate.

 

What if my child is placed on the wait list?

If after admission decisions are made and your child is placed on the wait list there may still be a chance that a spot could become available.  We regularly assess openings available in each class and use the wait list to inform families when availability exists. 

 

If, and when, there is an open space, preference is given in the following order:

1. Currently enrolled family requesting a change of schedule or classroom

2. Currently enrolled family requesting enrollment of a sibling

3. Waitlisted families

If an opening arises prior to, or during the school year, we will notify you.​

 

I am looking to enroll my child for a future school year.  Should I complete an application now?

We only tour and enroll children for the upcoming school year.  If you are interested in Painted Oak for your child for a future school year please complete our Early Notification form.  Once admissions for that school year begins you will be notified.

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I still have a few questions that I am wondering about and would like to speak to someone please.