Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT DISTINGUISHES YOUR SCHOOL FROM OTHER LOCAL PRESCHOOLS?
What sets Pacific Shores Day School apart from other programs? Two words: character development! We believe children cannot reach their full potential unless they are surrounded by love, support, and predictability. Our teachers consistently model these attributes while fostering the same in return from our students. Living a life of compassion, empathy, sensitivity, and genuine care for others is the backbone of who we are. Our students consistently score above grade level academically in large part because they feel valued and heard.
HOW EARLY MAY I GET ONTO YOUR WAITING LIST?
We do not operate on a Waiting List. Applications become available each fall and incoming student screenings are held each winter. Acceptance into the program is based on student eligibility coupled with the results of our screening appointment. Screening appointment priority is given to families based on how quickly we receive their application. Once our class roster is full for the coming year, we open up a Waiting Pool for qualified applicants. Applicants are chosen from the Waiting Pool should any openings become available from the class roster.
DO YOU ACCEPT A SET NUMBER OF BOYS/GIRLS?
Nope! We accept children who best represent what we are looking for in a student: children who are kind, well-behaved, and eager to learn. Some years we are boy-heavy and some years we are girl-heavy. Some years we have exactly the same number of each! Since we foster such a loving environment where everyone truly is best friends, we have found that the sex of our students is irrelevant to the harmony or vibe of the class.
WHICH PRESCHOOLS DO MOST OF YOUR STUDENTS COME TO YOU FROM?
We cultivate a diverse population of students from all over! While the majority of students come from preschools closest in proximity to our school, we have zero rules regarding where students matriculate from. We joyfully welcome all students into our family, regardless of where they attended preschool.
WHERE DO THE MAJORITY OF YOUR STUDENTS ATTEND KINDERGARTEN?
Each year we have a sizable group whose end goal is acceptance into Harbor Day School. We also have many families who seek acceptance into St. Mary's School, Carden Hall, Pegasus, and the fabulous public schools in the area. While we gladly help guide families, offer insight, and support the decision making process, we do not tailor our program specifically to families who are seeking out particular schools. We believe in doing our very best for every single child and family, no matter where they desire to attend elementary school.
HOW DO YOU SUPPORT CHILDREN WITH DIFFERENT LEARNING STYLES?
We pride ourselves on appreciating each child's unique abilities and gifts. Children are not robots to be programmed with information; they are thinking, feeling beings who are special and distinct. We regularly assess students and differentiate our instruction according to their needs.
AM I ALLOWED TO VOLUNTEER OR HELP OUT IN MY CHILD'S CLASS?
Absolutely! We value and encourage a strong partnership between home and school. Parents and loved ones have many opportunities throughout the school year to be part of our classroom community. From holiday parties to story time, there is always an opportunity for adult involvement.
IS YOUR SCHOOL A NUT-FREE ENVIRONMENT?
Each year we have a new group of students with new needs or requirements when it comes to food safety. We decide on a year-by-year basis which direction to go regarding food allergies. If a child has a nut allergy, we absolutely will make that school year nut-free, otherwise we allow nuts.