2017-2018 APPLICATION

Takoma Park Cooperative Nursery School, Inc.

Takoma Park Cooperative Nursery School, Inc. is a parent-participatory model school. We believe that children thrive in a supportive environment created by active, informed parents and teachers. Our school year begins in September and ends in early June, following the Montgomery County Public School calendar for scheduled and weather closings. Parent participation in the classroom is a requirement, as are attendance at monthly membership meetings, participation in training sessions, and fulfillment of administrative and committee tasks. Meeting these requirements ensures the continued success of the School, supports a strong educational program, and results in cost-savings for member families.

The Cooperative School Classes

Class	Ages*	Days	Times	2016/17 Monthly Tuition**
				Bi-Weekly Coop	Weekly Coop
Bugs	2/3s	Th, F	9 – 11:30 AM	$207	N/A
Leaves	3/4s	M, T, W	8:30 – 11:30 AM	$335	$269 (limited)
Tracks	4/5s	M, T, W, Th, F	12 – 3 PM	$536 (limited)	$436

 

*Child must be lower age by 8/31.
**We estimate a 3-6% increase over current tuition rates for 2017-18.

About the Application Process

Admissions 2017-2018: Important Dates Information Sessions Tues, December 6th @7:30 PM Sat, January 7th @1PM Thurs, January 19th @7:30 PM Classroom Observations Weeks of December 12th; January 9th, 16th and January 23rd. Application Deadline For Current Members: Fri, January 26th  For New Applicants:  Fri, February 3rd

We highly recommend that all parents, including those returning to the school with a sibling, attend both an Admissions Information Session and a Classroom Observation Tour in December or January.  The completed application form, a family photograph, and a one-time, non-refundable application fee of $60 ($45 each when applying for two children) must be received by 3PM on Friday, February 3, 2017 to be considered in the initial round of admissions decisions.  Returning families applying for a sibling must submit a completed application by 3PM on January 26, 2017.   If you have applied to the school for the previous year and would like to be considered for the upcoming year, you must submit another application, but the application fee for that child is waived.  Family photographs are a required part of the application, as they help us remember who you are and the conversations we have had with you.
 
Applicants who submit completed applications will be notified by mid-to-late February. If your child is admitted to the School, a non-refundable deposit (applied toward future tuition) will be required.  

Admission Requirements

The Cooperative School does not admit students on a first-come, first-served basis. Rather, in making Admissions decisions, we are dedicated to seeking families  committed to sustaining our School's parent-participatory model and mission by creating class rosters that reflect our diverse community and are balanced in terms of age and gender.  

• Child must meet the age requirement to enroll:
  • 2 years old before September 1st for the Bugs (2s/3s) class
  • 3 years old before September 1st for the Leaves (3s/4s) class
  • 4 years old before September 1st for the Tracks (4s/5s) class
• Parents must be able to co-op in their children’s classes.
• Parents must be able to support and nurture all enrolled students’ learning styles and effectively assist the classroom teacher.
• Parents must be able to attend monthly evening training meetings.
• Parents must serve on the board of directors or on a committee and effectively complete the tasks required for supporting day-to-day operations and future planning.
• Applicants must meet the application deadline with an application completed in full (content, fee, photograph)
• Applicants must secure their placement with deposits and other admissions-related documentation within the specified time (usually within two weeks of application deadline).

In the pages that follow, you will find our online application. Please note that you can click on the "save and continue later" feature at the top of each page, so you do not have to complete the entire application in one sitting. If you are unable to apply electronically, please contact the Admissions team at admissions@tpcns.org or 301-585-7272 ext 2.