San Francisco, CA
The Little School

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

SFUSD, Friends, Town, Burkes,Cathedral, Convent, French-American, Hamlin, Live Oak, SF School, SF Day School, Presidio Hill

Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions

Parent #1
We were extremely lucky to secure a spot at the last minute, when another child left for a two year kindergarten program. Word of mouth is an excellent way to find out about openings. Also, doing summer camp at any age and the transitional kindergarten program for older children is a great way to slip in.

Parent #2
We had past board members and active alumnae parents write us letters of support. We wrote several letters expressing our continued interest over 2 years.

Parent #3
Have people that are already in the school write letters or call. In application process talk about what is unique about your family and what you can bring to the The Little School Community (i.e. web designing, artistic skills, fundraising). If your child has any special needs, physical disabilities, or something that makes their educational needs unique, mention them and provide documentation. Little School has a full inclusion program with a special education specialist on staff.

Parent #4
Demonstrate your interest and keep trying even if you are not given a spot as spots open up after the admissions process closes in March.

Parent #5
Emails to director from friends currently enrolled in school.

Parent #6
I kept in touch even though we did not get admitted for the first two years. I enrolled my daughter in the summer school sessions and kept writing letters to reiterate my interest.

Parent #7
Attended the summer program so teachers and administrators got to know our family. Reached out to families at the school to put in a good word for us. Impressed upon the administration the level of commitment we would bring to volunteer activities.

Parent #8
I waited and was accepted the third year I applied.

Parent #9
We applied for the oldest class, transitional kindergarten.

Parent #10
Attended all the events

Parent #11
Siblings tend to fill the spots in the 2's and 3's classes. Class sizes grow slightly each year. Be willing to apply for spots in the 4's and transitional kindergarten classes for your oldest child -younger siblings then have priority in admissions. The summer school program is a good introduction to the school. Admission is done on a first come-first served basis (after currently enrolled students have been given a chance to sign up.)

Parent #12
We were not accepted during the first year, but continued to express our interest during that year.

Parent #13
wrote a letter about our family

Parent #14
NO

Parent #15
Don't give up. We were rejected the first time around but offered a spot after having participated in the Summer program. Most families get into the Little School when their first-born is 4 years old. (It is very easy to gain admittance at that age... and nearly impossible when the children are 2 or 3.)