Is there a limit on how many kids a school will accept from a certain preschool?

[mommiedebs]

We're going through the kindergarten process right now but am worried about our chances considering how many sibling spots are being taken by kids from our preschool. Is there a max number of kids a school will accept from any given preschool?

[cookiecakepie]

I used to feel the same way but having gone through the process I can tell you not to worry! A few private schools accepted multiple applicants from our preschool that applied last year and I thought there was no way we would get in b/c of the large applicant pool from our school. It was eye opening and was a testament to admissions directors at the k-8 schools. I got the overwhelming sense that it really does not matter who else from your preschool is applying. It is really about your child and the fit for your potential school. Don't sweat it.

[mrslauring]

I used to feel the same way but having gone through the process I can tell you not to worry! A few private schools accepted multiple applicants from our preschool that applied last year and I thought there was no way we would get in b/c of the large applicant pool from our school. It was eye opening and was a testament to admissions directors at the k-8 schools. I got the overwhelming sense that it really does not matter who else from your preschool is applying. It is really about your child and the fit for your potential school. Don't sweat it.

I was wondering the same thing so this is good news. I mean, we love our preschool but it has felt so competitive once the kindergarten process got started.

[edsanfran]

I hate to be a naysayer but I think there is a limit. Now, if your family or child have other factors that a school may be looking for then that limit may be put aside. Last year, my understading was that there was an unusually large number of spots for girls so it would be no surprise that 4 or 5 girls from one preschool were accepted at a school. I would talk to your preschool director, they know the history of the schools and often the number of non-sibling spots. From my experience, preschool directors will definitely tell you it will be more difficult to get into a school where 3 or 4 siblings who are the same sex as your child will be attending. Ofcourse, it does not mean you will not be offered a spot, it just means the odds are a bit tougher. It also depends on your preschool (i.e. several routinely place 4 or more kids at single school) and the number of spots at the K-8.

[ladivavida]

I hate to be a naysayer but I think there is a limit. Now, if your family or child have other factors that a school may be looking for then that limit may be put aside. Last year, my understading was that there was an unusually large number of spots for girls so it would be no surprise that 4 or 5 girls from one preschool were accepted at a school. I would talk to your preschool director, they know the history of the schools and often the number of non-sibling spots. From my experience, preschool directors will definitely tell you it will be more difficult to get into a school where 3 or 4 siblings who are the same sex as your child will be attending. Ofcourse, it does not mean you will not be offered a spot, it just means the odds are a bit tougher. It also depends on your preschool (i.e. several routinely place 4 or more kids at single school) and the number of spots at the K-8.

I used to think just as edsanfran said until having gone through the process last year and now looking at it from the other side. I truly believe the admissions directors evaulate your child as an individual. How else do you explain Little School getting 9 in MCDS and 7 in SF Day? Sure, some of them are likely sibs but still.

[edsanfran]

I really did try to explain that your preschool will make a difference in this equation. And without getting into specifics, there are several preschools who routinely place several children in schools year after year (and yes, this would be Little School as well as a handful of others). I firmly believe at some point it becomes a numbers game and if your preschool has 4-5 sibs going to say Cathedral, for a class of 15 boys, your odds are just not very good. On the other hand, MCDS and SF Day each have three incoming classes, which means your odds are much better even if there are 4-5 sibs. I reiterate, however, your preschool director will be your best guide if you are concerned about the number of sibs at your school attending a particular school.

[sfkinder]

MCDS had an unheard of amount of open spot - 35 in total. That is 17 spots for SF alone. This year MCDS has 18/19 open spots in total. That mean 9 SF spots for both boy and girl.

It also has to do with how many sibs from other schools are going.

[somamom]

On the other hand, MCDS and SF Day each have three incoming classes, which means your odds are much better even if there are 4-5 sibs.

SF Day only has 2 classes per grade or did something change? Sure there are limited number of spots at each school but all you care about it that one spot. Give you and your child some credit and trust that you are unique in your own way. That's really all that matters - everything else is out of your hands.