FAQ

What is your philosophy?
The Cove School is centered on discovering your child’s genius. Exploration and enrichment is the way children learn about their world, themselves, and others, and the way they develop the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in their lives. All children have a genius and we are here to help them discover it. As an early learning center, we believe that early learning has a direct impact on the success of our children and their success as an adult. Through the HighScope model, we are committed to providing children the tools and skills necessary for them to adapt and grow in a world that we cannot predict.

Are you more academic or play-based?
We are need based. We strive to meet the needs of all students and the individual ways that they learn. Our underlying principles are based on inspiring, creating and igniting learning in children.

What programs do you offer?
The Cove School provides a morning program for 18 months – 3 years old and 3-5 years old which includes a pre-K program. We also provide tutoring, coaching and consulting for families on behavior, reading, math, writing and choosing the right school for your family.

Do children have to be potty trained?
No, we understand that every child is develops differently and will work with you when you start the potty training process at home.

What is your teacher/student ratio?
We are committed to small class sizes of 12 students maximum with a teacher to student ratio of 1:6-7 for children 3-5 years old and a teacher to student ratio of 1:4-5 for children 18 months- 3 years old.

What is your admission process?
The Cove School understands the need for fostering individuality among children. Through our admission process, we strive to build a diverse and successful group of learners. We are able to carefully evaluate and consider each family and look for children who will thrive in an environment that is interactive, challenging, and creative where children are also willing to take risks. Although we have children visit and interact with our class, we believe in choosing families. Children change at this age especially since they are visiting 6 months in advance. They are also visiting a class that may not be the same when they enroll. Our interests lie more in your families values and philosophies toward education and learning.

Do you belong to any associations?
The Cove School is a member of the National Association of Educating Young Children (NAEYC) and the Washington Association of Educating Young Children (WAEYC). We are also co-founders and members of the West Seattle Preschool Association.

What is your criteria for hiring your staff?
The Cove School currently employs a director and a classroom teacher as well as hosting visiting teachers for our enrichment program. Our faculty is carefully chosen using the highest standards in order to provide the highest quality education for your children. They also go through continuing professional development.

What is your yearly schedule like?
School is in session from September to mid- June. Morning students attend 8:45-11:30 or 8:30-12:00pm (3-5 years old). Students can attend Tuesday and Thursday, Monday/Wednesday/Friday or Monday through Friday. We follow the Seattle Public School calendar for observed holidays and vacations. A copy of this calendar will be provided to all families at the beginning of the school year.

How much will it cost?
Tuition is determined annually. The 2012-2013 school year ranges from $3000-$7250. Summer camps are enrolled and billed separately.

What are your views on integrating home and school?
The Cove School believes the best way to ensure success in your child’s education is to have a strong home school connection. Our Cove Community is not only within the school, but also with the families and their neighborhoods. We work to provide opportunities throughout the school year to build this community.