What is the application process?

You may apply as soon as your child is born. Once we receive your application, your child will be placed on our waiting list. Families are invited to an Open House in January, the year before their child is eligible to attend. Priority is given to siblings of current or past PPS students, as well as children of alumni. To receive priority, sibling and alumni applications must be submitted by January 1 of the year your child will begin.

Can I tour the school?

Yes! We will schedule tours after the Open House and will communicate those dates to you as they become available.

When will I know about admission?

Enrollment decisions begin in late January. Families offered a space will be contacted by the Membership Chair. If no space is available, your child will remain on the waiting list. Openings often arise later in the year, so we encourage families to stay on the list.

Do I need to be a resident of Piedmont to apply?

No, you do not. Piedmont Play School has been serving children from Piedmont and neighboring communities for many years. However, please note that Piedmont residents do receive priority enrollment.

Can my child join for just the second year (the Yellowbird year)?

Yes. While PPS is designed as a two-year program, we occasionally have openings for children who attend only the older class year.

What ages do you serve?

Children must be 2 years old by September 1st. Most children attend are preparing for either TK or Kindergarten.

Do children need to be potty trained?

Toilet training is not required, though it is highly encouraged before starting school.

What are the school hours? Do you offer extended care?

The school year follows the Piedmont Unified School District calendar, running from late August through early June. The morning program runs from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, five days a week. Extended care is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays until 3:00 pm, with priority given to Yellowbirds.

How large are the classes?

Each class is capped at 18 children, ideally balanced between Bluebirds and Yellowbirds. Three teachers and one parent volunteer are present daily, giving children both professional guidance and family involvement.

What does parent participation look like?

As a cooperative preschool, each family contributes to the school. Families work about 10 days per year in the classroom (two-hour shifts) and help organize one holiday celebration. Most families also take on a small committee role, ensuring the workload is shared and the community thrives. See our Co-Op Model. This is often less than families expect and feels pleasantly doable.

What if my child cannot attend five days a week?

We strongly encourage five-day attendance so children can fully participate in projects and social experiences. In special circumstances (such as separation anxiety), families may work with the director to develop a consistent schedule adjustment.

Does the school focus on academics?

PPS is a developmental, play-based preschool. We nurture early literacy, math, and science skills through songs, stories, sensory play, puzzles, building, and art. Children often learn to recognize letters, numbers, and even write their names, but there is no pressure or rote memorization.

How does PPS approach conflict resolution?

Teachers support children in talking through problems and expressing their feelings. Adults guide the conversation calmly and encourage children to generate solutions, whether that means taking turns, finding a new toy, or practicing patience. We emphasize “using your words” and developing empathy.

What enrichment activities are offered?

Our curriculum is enriched with music, art, cooking, science, and seasonal celebrations. We welcome special guests such as Sulphur Creek Nature Center and community helpers like firefighters and dentists. Field trips have included the pumpkin patch, Crab Cove, the fire department, and our annual Teddy Bear Picnic at Piedmont Park.

Do you celebrate holidays?

We do! PPS celebrates a variety of traditional holidays, including Hanukkah, Christmas, and St. Patrick’s Day, to name a few. Each celebration is organized by one parent or family, but all parents are welcome to join in the festivities on those days. We also encourage families to share any cultural traditions that are meaningful to them, so the children can experience and learn from the rich diversity of our community.

How does the school handle food allergies?

PPS is a nut-free school. To help keep children safe, we also encourage families to share any other allergy information with teachers. When needed, we create a designated allergy-friendly table at snack or lunch to reduce risk, and we always emphasize hand-washing before meals. Our goal is to keep every child safe while still making mealtimes inclusive and enjoyable.

What is the tuition and how can I pay?

Tuition for 2025/26 is $800 per month. Payments can be made by check or by credit card.

Frequently Asked Questions