1. What is the application process?
2. When is the application deadline?
3. How much is tuition? Is there financial aid?
4. What testing do you do for the Nursery/JK/SK students? How can you get an accurate read on a child that young?
5. What testing do you do for older children?
6. What are your natural entry points?
7. What are the age cutoffs for students at Community School?
8. Is there an after school program?
9. I think my child might be gifted—what enrichment activities/programs do you offer?
10. How do Community School students perform on standardized tests?
11. Is there a way for parents to volunteer or get involved in the life of the school?
12. Is there transportation available?
13. Do the students wear uniforms?
14. What is the payment schedule?
15. Are there fees for extracurricular activities?

What is the application process?

• Schedule an appointment to tour the campus through the Admission Office at 314.991.0005 x315. (The tour is for adults only.)
• DEADLINE EXTENDED!  Submit an application for admission by January 29, 2010.
• Submit a signed release form to the Admission Office so Community can obtain school records, health forms and a teacher recommendation form from the applicant's previous school.
• Schedule an appointment for a parent interview (without your child) with the Head of School. Contact the Admission Office to make an appointment.
• Admission testing will take place on Saturday mornings during January and February.
• Decision letters, enrollment contracts and financial aid decisions will be mailed on Thursday, March 11, 2010.

When is the application deadline?

The application for admission accompanied by a non-refundable $90.00 application fee must be received no later than January 29, 2010.  You may apply online and pay the fee with a credit card.

How much is tuition? Is there financial aid?

Tuition for the 2009-10 school year is $15,030. This includes books, supplies and lunch.

Financial assistance at Community is intended to increase the diversity of the student body by assisting the parents of qualified students in meeting the expense of an independent school education. Because students are admitted without regard for their ability to pay tuition, every effort is made to provide financial assistance where needed. Families are encouraged to apply for financial aid if they feel they meet the criteria. Families wishing to be considered for financial aid are required to submit a Parents' Financial Statement to the School and Student Service for Financial Aid in Princeton, New Jersey, by February 1, 2010.  All information regarding a family's application for financial aid is confidential. Announcement of grants will be awarded with admission decisions.

What testing do you do for the Nursery/JK/SK students? How can you get an accurate read on a child that young?

Applicants for Nursery/JK/SK/First Grade are given the Gesell Developmental Observation. This assessment observes child behavior and measures physical/neurological growth, language skills, and adaptive behavior. Adaptive behavior reflects that area of development that includes cognitive thinking, memory, perception, and attention to task. The Gesell does not measure I.Q. or academic skills. Because the Gesell provides a qualitative evaluation rather than a numerical score, the teachers in the Early Childhood Division have received special training to interpret a child's responses.

What testing do you do for older children?

Applicants for Grades 2-6 take the ERBs - a standardized achievement test that measures a child's verbal and quantitative skills.

What are your natural entry points?

Most students enroll in Nursery (ages 3/4), Junior Kindergarten (ages 4/5), and Senior Kindergarten (ages 5/6). Enrollment in Grades 1-6 is based on attrition.

What are the age cutoffs for students at Community School?

Nursery students must be 3 no later than August 1st of the year for which they are applying. JK students must be 4 by August 1st, and SK students must have reached their 5th birthday by August 1st. However, the School reserves the right to delay entry if we feel that it is in the best interest of the child.

Is there an after school program?

The After School Program includes Extended Day for children of working parents, “mini” Classes and Homework Club. Last year, nearly 60% of students were involved in our after school programs.

I think my child might be gifted—what enrichment activities/programs do you offer?

In both the Lower and Upper Divisions, resource teachers are available to collaborate with classroom teachers to ensure that every student is challenged.

How do Community School students perform on standardized tests?

Students in Grades 2 through 6 take the Educational Records Bureau Test (ERBs) each spring. ERBs measure a child's verbal and quantitative skills. Results are compared with national, suburban, and other independent school norms. Community School students generally score at or above independent school norms. Last year, Community School class averages were above independent school norms in over 96% of skill areas tested, and in 100% of the math skills tested. 

Is there a way for parents to volunteer or get involved in the life of the school?

There are myriad ways for parents to get involved with Community School. Classroom volunteering, special events, and Community Parent Association are just a few. For more details, please click here.

Is there transportation available?

No. A transportation plan for each child will be kept in the school office.

Do the students wear uniforms?

No. The School has no formal dress code. Students should be appropriately groomed and should wear clean, comfortable clothing suitable for the activities of the day.

What is the payment schedule?

For new families, non-refundable tuition deposits of 10% of tuition for each student shall be due within two weeks of written acceptance. Payment plans can be arranged.

Remaining tuition shall be paid as follows:
On May 15th, 50% of tuition
On the succeeding January 15th, the other 50% of tuition

Are there fees for extracurricular activities?

Extended Day	$500 per semester two afternoons or less $800 per semester three afternoons or more $25 per day single day drop-ins
Homework Club	$800 per semester for 3-4 days a week (Add $100 for Extended Day Care) $500 per semester for 2 days a week (Add $50 for Extended Day Care)
Mini-Classes	See current brochure for fees.