Nursery school

Admissions While there aren’t public programs for two- and three-year-olds, some local schools and community centers offer one-year public pre-kindergarten classes. InsideSchools.org lets you search for nearby options, or you can pick up a list from your local elementary school. Most admissions are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to kids who live within the school zone. The application process begins the September before your child will be enrolled. (He must turn four by December 31 of the year he attends.) Day-care centers often offer preschool programs for older children as well.

There are many private options for nursery school—some that enroll kids as young as two years. The application process generally begins the September before your child would attend. Each school has its own system for sending out applications; some require parents to phone in a request on a particular day. “Several schools give out applications on a lottery system, but most don’t, so you have to get through on the phone that morning or you don’t get an application at all,” says Levey. “The day we accept calls, we’ll have 400 requests by noon.”

For the most part, the applications are straightforward. A school may interview the parents, with or without the child, or meet parents and children in a group setting. It’s important to be yourself during this process—albeit your best self—as the nursery school’s goal is to fill a class that reflects the school and its community. “I’m looking for a fit,” explains Levey. “If your child is a free spirit, what happens if my school is very structured?”

Extra credit Most nursery schools have a sibling policy. It’s never a shoo-in, but if your elder child—and you—have generally behaved, chances are good that a younger sibling will be accepted.

Insider tip Not sure whether your child will be ready for nursery school next year? “The smart money is to apply anyway and decide in the spring when the acceptances come out,” says Levey. Bear in mind that if a school starts with a program for two-year-olds and you wait to apply until your tot is age three or four, there may be fewer spots available.

	Nursery school
	Public kindergarten
	Private kindergarten