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Registration Documents

There will be an interview process between Starlight School and parents before a child can be admitted.

Enrollment in the preschool program is open to children aged 2.9 to 6 who are fully toilet-trained and physically and emotionally able to function in the school environment. Parents are required to sign their child in and out of school using their full name. The Montessori preschool program can be a 3-year commitment. Consideration will be given to age and gender in balancing the class. Admissions are based on availability of space and determination of staff that a child will benefit from the environment. Starlight School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, or national and ethnic origin in its admissions or other program policies. Prior to applying for admission to Starlight School, the parents are asked to observe the classroom while it is in session. In order to reduce disruption to the class during observations and make a visit more productive, we ask that you come by yourself.

Re-Enrollments

In order to reserve a place for the following year, current parents are asked to submit a completed application and registration fees by February 1. Returning children will be given priority for enrollment, followed by siblings of currently enrolled children. On February 1, enrollment will be open to the public to fill any remaining openings.

Orientation

The first few days of school operate as a phase-in period for the children to help them in the transition to school. For many, it will be a very new feeling having had no previous preschool experience.

The first day, parents accompany their child and visit for only 15 to 20 minutes, meeting the teachers, seeing the classroom, and trying out the materials. The following days the child comes by himself. Sometimes separations are difficult, but it is best if the child comes alone. Parents are always welcome at Starlight School, but it is best if parents wait outside of the child’s view. All children enter the school on a probationary basis. The health and safety of all children and staff members requires the withdrawal of any child whose behavior is determined to endanger himself, other children, or staff members. A child may also be dismissed if it is found that the program is not meeting the child’s needs.

Withdrawal

If either the parents or Starlight School determines that the placement of the child in this program is not in the best interest of the child or the school, a conference will be scheduled to discuss appropriate action. If it is decided that the child should be removed from the school, the registration fee and tuition will be forfeited. If you choose to withdraw your child from SMS for any reason, you shall remain liable for the full annual tuition amount for the enrolled school year.* SMS shall use its best efforts to fill the classroom space vacated by your child with a suitable replacement, and will refund to you a proportionate amount of the contracted annual tuition. If during the academic year, your child is withdrawn from enrollment at the request of SMS, any remaining tuition due will be calculated on a pro rata basis and will be due immediately.**

* Death or serious illness of your child
** Failure of parents or guardians to honor the obligations listed in this agreement, or in any rules, regulations outlined in the SMS parent manual.
SMS, in its sole and unlimited discretion, determines that it is unable to meet the needs of your child or the family/parents/guardians.
SMS closes due to catastrophic circumstances.

Tuition/Fees/Payment

Starlight School tuition is an annual fee in 10 equal payments plus registration fees. The other eight payments are due on the first day of each month, October through May. Equal tuition is charged for all 10 months even though some months have more scheduled holidays. Full tuition is due for each month even if children are away for vacation, sickness, or holidays not observed by Starlight School. Non-refundable registration fees are $100 for new families and $75 for returning families and is due upon enrollment. Additionally, there is a $75 materials fee. Parents will be given at least a 30-day advance notice of tuition increase. The school is committed to creating a close collaboration between it and the parents. The following are required forms that need to be completed upon enrolling your child:

  • Tuition contract and registration fee
  • Notice of Parents’ Rights
  • Personal Rights
  • Health History
  • Identification and Emergency Information
  • Consent for Medical Treatment
  • Immunization Record
  • Physician’s Report

Holidays

Starlight School follows the same holiday schedule as the local school district.
The school observes the following holidays: Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Vacation, Winter Vacation, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Spring Vacation, and Memorial Day.