Admissions Process

Key Admissions Dates

Sept. 15 - Dec. 1	Application requests and submissions
October 15	Sibling and alumni applications due
October 26 & 27	Admissions Open House 6:00pm - 8:00pm
December 1	2012-2013 New Student Application deadline
February 1	Financial Aid Applications due
October 15 - Mid-Feb.	Parent tour and visit with Associate and Executive Directors (BHNS will call to schedule)
March 10	Admissions letters sent
May	New students visits (Toddler new student visits occur in September.)

Since its inception, the Beacon Hill Nursery School has been committed to providing an environment which supports and nurtures children’s curiosity, protects and respects their trust in the adults around them, and understands and utilizes the learning opportunities that abound in a child’s daily delight in life. Furthermore, BHNS has long recognized what family involvement is an essential element of a child’s preschool experience, and that parental confidence in teachers and curriculum is key to successful learning in the young child. As early childhood educators, we recognize that a positive, social-emotional atmosphere created by a healthy, supportive community increases the ease with which all learning takes place. Partnerships between staff and families benefit our children in ways no other single factor may.

This is the philosophy which drives the admission decisions at Beacon Hill Nursery School. Our families come from a variety of metropolitan Boston and Cambridge neighborhoods, but all come because they believe in our mission and are able to wholeheartedly support their children's experiences. Building and maintaining a strong, healthy, and diverse community is of the utmost importance. We welcome back legacy families and all siblings and each year we celebrate the inclusion of new families.

Beacon Hill Nursery School does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, cultural heritage, political beliefs, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status.

Applications
Applications for admission to the Beacon Hill Nursery School, accompanied by a $50 application fee, may be submitted beginning September 15 of the year prior to entry and must be received by December 1. Applications for siblings and alumni must be received by October 15 to receive special consideration.

Parent Tours
The associate director will contact families to schedule a visit to the school upon receipt of application and application fee. These visits take place starting October 15th through the early winter. The visits consist of a tour of the school, an opportunity to observe in a classroom and an interview with the executive director and the associate director.

Admissions Decisions
Admissions decisions are sent out on March 10th. A signed contract with a deposit ensures a child's enrollment for the fall. If the school is unable to offer an enrollment contract due to the number of applicants, the child may be placed on a waiting list. Families placed on waitlists will be notified as soon as an appropriate space becomes available.

Visits for enrolled children In the spring, enrolled preschool children will visit the school in small groups. Toddlers visit in September. These visits serve as an introduction to BHNS and make starting school in September a little easier.