Admissions FAQ

FAQ

• 1. 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.)
  • Submit an application for admission by January 25, 2013.
  • 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 14, 2013.
  • If offered admission, a deposit of 10% of tuition per student is due on Friday, April 5, 2013.

• 2. 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 25, 2013.  You may apply online and pay the fee with a credit card.

• 3. How much is tuition? Is there financial aid?

  Tuition for the 2012-13 school year is $16,120 for Nursery (full day) through Senior Kindergarten; $16,525 for First through Third Grades; and $16,925 for Fourth through Sixth Grades. Tuition for the half-day nursery program in 2012-13 will be $10,962. 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, 2013.  All information regarding a family's application for financial aid is confidential. Announcement of grants will be awarded with admission decisions.

• 4. 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.

• 5. 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.

• 6. What are your natural entry points?

  Most students enroll in Nursery (ages 3/4) and Junior Kindergarten (ages 4/5). There are a few spaces for Senior Kindergarten (ages 5/6). Enrollment in Grades 1-6 is based on attrition.

• 7. What are the age cut-offs 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.

• 8. Is there an after-school program?

  The After School Program includes Extended Day for children of working parents, “mini” Classes, and Homework Club. This year, nearly 75% of students are involved in our after school programs. More information

• 9. 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. Reading and math are also taught in small groups and tailored to challenge each student.

• 10. 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. See chart here.

• 11. 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.

• 12. Is there transportation available?

  Parents/guardians are responsible for transportation to/from school. Some families choose to carpool.

• 13. Do the students wear uniforms?

  No. While 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.

• 14. 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 December 15th, the other 50% of tuition (minus the deposit).

  As an alternative to these tuition due dates, a monthly payment can be arranged through the Business Office.

• 15. Are there fees for extracurricular activities?

  Extended Day	$600 per semester - two afternoons or less $900 per semester - three afternoons or more $25 per day single day drop-ins
  Homework Club	$900 per semester for 3-4 days a week (Add $100 for Extended Day Care) $600 per semester for 2 days a week (Add $50 for Extended Day Care)
  "Mini" classes	See current brochure for fees.  (Generally $150 - $180 per class)