The goal of the admissions process is to determine whether Eliot-Pearson Children's School can meet a child's needs and the family's expectations. We make every effort to inform families about the educational philosophy of our program and about the expectation that families become involved in school sponsored activities. We try to develop a collaboration with every family in order to support the home-school-child relationship.

All admissions decisions are based on the criteria listed below:

Commitment to Diversity
The Eliot-Pearson Children's School actively seeks a student population which represents a wide range of racial, ethnic, religious, cultural, and economic backgrounds. We seek and value diversity within our family population, and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnic and national origin, cultural heritage, color, political beliefs, marital status, religion, disabilities, sexual orientation, or family style in the administration of the Children's School admissions and educational policies, financial assistance programs, or any school administered program. All benefits and privileges are available to every child and family. Appreciation and respect for all people, regardless of their differences and similarities is at the heart of our program.

Currently Enrolled Children
Our first obligation is to the children already enrolled in the school. Families of children currently enrolled are asked to express their preferences in January for the following year; however, due to physical space limitations in each classroom, we cannot guarantee re-enrollment from year to year. The number of openings remaining in each group will be determined from the base of returning children.

Siblings
Whenever possible, priority is given to applicants who are siblings of children currently enrolled; however, acceptance is not guaranteed.

Special Rights
The Children's School is committed to providing quality education for all children, and therefore, children with special rights are enrolled in all of our groups. In a model of inclusion, children who need therapy services receive them in the context of their school day whenever possible. We have a team of specialists who collaborate with teachers, families, and others who may be involved in setting goals for children with special needs. Every attempt is made to collaborate with school systems to secure the services required for children and families. The Children's School serves a wide spectrum of learning differences and all decisions are made on an individual basis.

Tufts Faculty, Staff, and Students
Consideration is given to families who are part of the Tufts community.

Class Composition
Applicants who will add to the ethnic and socioeconomic diversity of the school's population are given priority whenever possible. Age and gender are considerations as they relate to the overall composition of each class.

Age Guidelines
The minimum age for enrollment is 2.9 by September 1. General age guidelines for groups include:

• Preschool East: 2.9 to 3.9 years old
• Preschool West: 3.9-4.8 years old
• Afternoon Preschool: 2.9-4 years olds
• Kindergarten: Age 5 by Dec. 31st
• First/Second Grade: 5.9 to 7 years old

Extended Day Option
Parents of children in the Morning Preschools and Kindergarten may enroll their child up to 4 afternoons a week in Extended Day, a mixed-age class which lasts until 3 pm. Extended Day is only available on M, T, Th, and F. All children attend only half-day on Wednesdays.

Dates/Deadlines
While applications are accepted throughout the year, families interested in the school should submit an application in the fall, no earlier than one year in advance of the September they want their child to begin school. A $15.00 non-refundable application fee is requested to support our scholarship fund. Most admissions decisions are made in March, but openings occur when families move or parents change their plans.

Observations
We encourage all prospective families to visit the school during the application process. Families are welcome to visit the School after October 15 and may observe more than one classroom, if unsure about which class to request for placement. Please call the School at least one week in advance to schedule an observation time. (Because observation booths are not sound proof, we request that parents do not bring their children at this time.) You should also feel free to schedule a meeting with the Director, Debbie LeeKeenan, or the Associate Director/Special Rights Coordinator, Maryann O'Brien.

Financial Assistance
Admissions decisions are made separate and apart from financial aid decisions. Financial assistance is based on need and the availability of funds. Our policy is to support as many families as possible rather than award large grants to a few families. It is expected that every family will contribute something toward their tuition. Applications for scholarship may be requested upon acceptance to the Children's School. The Scholarship Committee will keep all information confidential, and parents are usually notified of the Committee decisions by May 1. The only time an enrollment deposit will be refunded is if a family does not receive the financial assistance needed for their child to attend Eliot-Pearson.

Final Decisions
Final admissions decisions are made by the Director after close consultation with the Associate Director/Special Rights Coordinator, and Teaching Staff.

Acceptance Procedures
Once accepted, a non-refundable $500.00 deposit is required and an enrollment contract is signed. When ever possible, we will let families know of their admissions status by mid-March. Children who do not receive a slot by the beginning of April are placed on an active waiting list.

Application Process
Applications for the 2008-2009 school year have been suspended.