FAQ
Is there a birthday cutoff date for Reade Street Prep applicants?
Yes, our age policy requires that by August 31st of the year the child enters the program, they must be between 2-3 ½ years old for the Explorers Program and between 3 ½ -5 years old for the Discoverers Program.
How do the Early Admissions and Regular Admissions processes differ?
Reade Street Prep has two admissions cycles to select from: Early or Regular Admissions. Early applicants receive an increased rate of acceptance, have an earlier deadline to apply, and accordingly receive their admissions notification in December. Regular applicants acceptances are more limited, they have a later deadline to apply, and then will receive admissions notifications in February/March.
The enrollment deposit is non-refundable and the same percentage for both early and regular admissions.
Do siblings have priority in the admissions process?
Yes, we are committed to offering seats to those families whose educational beliefs align with ours. As such, siblings of enrolled students and legacy families do receive priority in our admissions process. We also extend priority to Early Admissions applicants, as these families have designated Reade Street Prep as their first choice for their children’s preschool.
Does Reade Street Prep have a waitlist?
Yes. Each year, we receive applications from more candidates than we are able to accommodate. Those children who are not offered a seat due to the constraints of our class sizes are, therefore, added to waitlists for all age-appropriate programs. Should openings become available, Reade Street Prep notifies waitlist candidates by email and/or phone.
Can I update programs after I’ve submitted an application?
Yes, to update your program preferences after you’ve submitted an application, email admissions@rsprep.com, and a member of our administration can update your preferences accordingly.
Can I change programs after I’ve been enrolled?
RSP will always work to honor requests for changes in programming; however, we need to be confident that any change will be in the best interest of the entire class, and so, we cannot guarantee that we can honor every request. If we cannot accommodate the change at the time of request, your child will be added to our waitlist and you’ll be updated as appropriate.
How many children are in each classroom?
Explorers classes will have no more than 12 children with 2 teachers. Discoverers classes will have no more than 15 children with 2 teachers. There are also floating teachers on staff if a classroom needs any extra hand!
Will my child nap at school?
All children enrolled in a Full Day program will get nap time daily.
What is your exmissions process?
At RSP, we are fortunate to have a high level of success with our students’ exmissions, including some of the most prestigious schools in the area. Our exmissions staff will meet individually with each Discoverers family to explain the process. We also host information sessions to review the exmissions process for both independent and public schools.
How do you handle separation?
We understand that it takes time for both young children and their parents to become accustomed to a new routine.
Each school year launches with Welcome Week, designed to introduce parents to their child’s new facility, curriculum, teachers, and administration. Welcome Week includes individual meetings with your child's teachers, a separation tips and tricks speaker, a classroom open house for you and your child to view their new classroom, and a park playdate for you and your child to meet and play with their new teachers and classmates! These events ease the whole family into their new routine and new school year.
Welcome Week is followed by a period of Gentle Transition, during which time the children adjust to their new environments. Class lengths are truncated during this transition to build their understanding of separation and begin to develop their relationship with their new community.
How many teachers are in each class?
There are two teachers in every classroom at Reade Street Prep. The supervision ratio is dependent on the age group:
In our Explorers classes, we maintain a student:teacher ratio of up to 6:1.
In our Discoverers classes, we maintain a student:teacher ratio of up to 8:1.
Who are the Reade Street Prep teachers?
Our teachers are RSP’s biggest asset. All of our staff members are qualified, trained, kind, and have a passion for working with this special age group. All lead teachers have a higher degree in education and early childhood experience. The resulting team is uniquely qualified to achieve our school goals.
What is Reade Street Prep's potty training policy?
Potty training at Reade Street Prep is a supportive process. We encourage parents to communicate with their child’s teachers, so that we can best reinforce the strategies, jargon, and rewards that are in place at home. Children are only required to be potty trained upon entry to our Discoverers program.
What are some examples of classroom activities?
At Reade Street Prep, we believe that children thrive in a structured environment. Each class follows its own predictable sequence of activities: centers, circle time, academic lessons (in the disciplinary areas of literacy, mathematics, and/or science), arts and crafts, gym, movement, library, and snack. You can find a detailed sample schedule here.
Do you provide snack and/or lunch?
All of our classes have snack time about halfway through their class time. Full day students will have snack and lunch time. We ask each family to pack a water bottle, snack, and lunch for full day students, and send with their child in a labeled container.
Please note that Reade Street Prep is a nut-free school so all outside food must be nut-free. Class-wide treats for special occasions must be allergy aware by classroom.
How is the school curriculum structured?
The Reade Street Prep curriculum centers around ten thematic units. Determined largely by teacher and parent input, each of these highly engaging topics is rife with content area knowledge. We weave academic, social-emotional, and behavioral benchmarks into the monthly themes, and in doing so, ensure that all students are making age- and language-appropriate progress in the areas of early literacy, mathematics, science, critical thinking, public speaking, socialization, conflict resolution, and more.
Why do you introduce technology to such young learners?
We believe that interactive technology can significantly enhance learning outcomes. In addition to preparing our children for an increasingly technological world, each classroom’s SMART Board serves to 1) promote confidence during the demonstration of newly gained knowledge, 2) extend and support conventional materials – particularly during the discussion of unfamiliar content area knowledge, and 3) facilitate the development of digital literacy. Teachers balance the use of technology in the classroom with that of more traditional instructional techniques.
How does Reade Street Prep connect the members of its community?
We strive to empower our children’s families as partners in the early education process. Parents are encouraged to teach classroom lessons, chaperone field trips, volunteer as Class Parents, and attend school social events. We also provide class lists, so that the students are able to get in touch with any and all of their RSP friends. Learn more about your RSParents here!
Does RSP Admin love dogs?
YES WE DO!
BRIGGS
GIGI
BARTOLO
BRIGGS
GIGI
BARTOLO Please reach out to info@rsprep.com with any further questions!