Onerous preschool admissions (Seattle, Bellevue, Sammamish: co-ops, college, moving to)

[Maleana]

At this point, it looks like we'll be moving to Seattle sometime in September and I'm looking for preschools for my 4 y.o. for this coming Fall. Most of the school websites that I've seen seem to have an onerous preschool admissions process - some even require a recommendation from a previous preschool or intelligence testing! It reminds me of a college application!!!

I'm a little overwhelmed.. I don't even know which schools still have openings and I realize that I'm kinda behind the eight ball since it's already the middle of August. With almost all schools requiring a tour and interview before they'll even consider registration, I'm not sure how I'm going to be able to get her enrolled in a school before we arrive there so that she'll have somewhere to start in (and get used to a routine) when we get into town.

I just wanted to ask if anyone has any advice on how I should go on a school search/begin the admissions process? I know that's a vague question, but I'm kinda flustered right now and don't even really know where to begin! Is it even possible to get her enrolled in a decent program this late in the year?

For what it's worth, we're looking at montessori, co-ops or Catholic pre-k programs. I only need a half-day program and we're looking at Bellevue, or North Seattle (specifically wedgwood, view ridge, bryant).

Thanks!

[Hemlock140]

That's the way it is here, the good ones have a long waiting list, are very picky, and charge a fortune. I know people paying $2,000/month for 5 days a week. If you find anything for under $1,000 with vacancies you will be really lucky.
Our local Montessori is $1,200/month for full days, $600 for half days (Sammamish). Pretty much all of them give priority to returning students and siblings and take few new students. Your worst problem is timing, with less than a month to go it will limit your choices greatly.

[benleis]

Originally Posted by Maleana

At this point, it looks like we'll be moving to Seattle sometime in September and I'm looking for preschools for my 4 y.o. for this coming Fall. Most of the school websites that I've seen seem to have an onerous preschool admissions process - some even require a recommendation from a previous preschool or intelligence testing! It reminds me of a college application!!!

I'm a little overwhelmed.. I don't even know which schools still have openings and I realize that I'm kinda behind the eight ball since it's already the middle of August. With almost all schools requiring a tour and interview before they'll even consider registration, I'm not sure how I'm going to be able to get her enrolled in a school before we arrive there so that she'll have somewhere to start in (and get used to a routine) when we get into town.

I just wanted to ask if anyone has any advice on how I should go on a school search/begin the admissions process? I know that's a vague question, but I'm kinda flustered right now and don't even really know where to begin! Is it even possible to get her enrolled in a decent program this late in the year?

For what it's worth, we're looking at montessori, co-ops or Catholic pre-k programs. I only need a half-day program and we're looking at Bellevue, or North Seattle (specifically wedgwood, view ridge, bryant).

Thanks!

I'm not sure how committed you are to your criteria but we just finished with Sweet Pea Academy on Sandpoint way and were very happy with it. More importantly in your case we were able to get in on short notice for half-day without much hassle.

Ben

[Maleana]

thanks Ben for the tip! i looked at their website and they seem very reasonable.
@hemlock, those rates are actually pretty decent considering what i've seen from the various schools' websites i've looked at. we've been spoilt out here in upstate new york. i only pay $350/mth for 5 half days a week... i'm mentally prepared to pay double that (since that's the going rate) but it's nice to know that there are cheaper programs out there too.