How old do you have to be to attend River Park?

River Park is licensed for 3- to 5-year-olds (students must be three by their first day of school.) Occasionally a student will join River Park after the school year begins; in this scenario, the family would be responsible for all tuition in order to hold the space for their child who would then be able to attend on the date of their third birthday.

 

Do children need to be potty trained? 

Children must be completely potty trained. No pull-ups, please.

 

How many children are in the class? 

Our class student to teacher ratio is approximately 1:5; the class is typically between 10-12 students per day. 

 

How many days per week do students attend?

Students attend school 3, 4, or 5 mornings per week. Families may request a schedule preference when applying. Our goal is to honor family schedule requests, but availability may not be guaranteed, and the 4 or 5 day slots often go to older/returning students.

 

What is Ms. Erin’s teaching philosophy?

Please see our “Interview with Ms. Erin”.

 

Do children eat lunch at school?

Children bring lunch to school and participate in socializing and eating with their friends at tables inside the classroom. 

 

What is the school calendar?

The school year runs from early September through late May. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. School is not in session for these federal holidays: Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day, Veteran’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and Presidents’ Day. The calendar also includes a week-long spring break in late March and a winter break from roughly December 20 through New Year’s Day.

 

What does a co-op mean?

River Park Nursery School depends on parent involvement. There are many ways for parents to contribute – including helping in the classroom and accompanying children on field trips. Some serve on the Executive Board, a committee, or help with school programs or activities. Families are also asked to support River Park's fundraising efforts. Finally, parents are expected to attend school parent meetings, generally held twice a year. Please note: Parents and guardians may be asked to assist in the classroom should a teacher be absent.

 

Do students get time outdoors?

Every day, students go outside for outdoor play and exploration in the yard in front of the school or in parks and green spaces in the community. We encourage layers and appropriate gear for all weather. 

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When can I apply to River Park and what is the application process?

Our application typically goes live on our website in early January and applications must be submitted by March 1st, 2022. Families can continue to apply after that date and will be added to the waitlist. Application Meet & Greet visits with our Teacher, Ms. Erin, (for families who are new to River Park Nursery School) will be scheduled between January and the end of March. Offers of admissions will be extended in April (post DCPS Lottery Results).

 

What is Early Interest Enrollment?

If River Park is your first choice, please let us know by choosing to apply as an “Early Interest” applicant.  Within the online application, check the “early interest” box and include a down payment of $1,100.00 along with your application and the standard application fee ($55). If accepted, the payment is non-refundable and will be applied in full toward your child’s tuition. If your child is not accepted, the payment will be returned in full. Please note: early interest does not guarantee your child’s enrollment at River Park.