Frequently Asked Questions

Early Childhood program (3 year old) classes
Tuesdays and Thursdays (AM) 8:30-11:00 or (PM) 11:45-2:15

Pre-Kindergarten program (4 year old) classes
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (AM) 8:30-11:30 or (PM) 12:00-3:00

Pre-Kindegarten PLUS program (4 & 5 year old) classes
Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:30am-2:00pm
Child must be enrolled in BOTH a Pre-Kindergarten class and PK PLUS at the same time

When are classes held?
Our school holds classes September through May using a modified Santa Clara Unified School District calendar.

We do not run on semesters. Before enrolling please consider if you are able to commit to attending for the entire school year. Families who withdraw early forfeit April & May tuition.

How much is the tuition?
EC class tuition is $155.00 per month.
Pre-K class tuition is $220.00 per month.
Pre-K and PK PLUS tuition is $395.00 per month.

What does tuition include?
Tuition and registration cover all usual salary, tax and property-related expenses as well as your insurance fee, material and supplies fee.

Are there other fees I need to pay?
Registration Fee is $75.00 per family per year and is non-refundable.
Cleaning Deposit is $40 per family and refunded to each family who participates in the end of the year cleaning day.

When do I need to pay the tuition?
May tuition is paid with your registration.
April tuition is due with your enrollment forms.
September - March tuition is paid in full on the first of each month.
All tuition MUST be mailed to:

Laurelwood Preschool
3561 Homestead Road #334
Santa Clara, Ca 95051

If I register in February and my plans change during the spring or summer can I get a refund?
Your registration fee is non refundable
April & May Tuition is refundable if you withdraw by July 1st, regardless of your date of admission. After July 1st, even if you enroll after that date, there are no refunds for April & May Tuition.

Why is April & May tuition collected so early?
If students withdraw in the final 4 months of school, we do not fill their spots in class. As a non-profit school we still need to pay rent, salaries, insurance and taxes. Collecting these last two months early decreases the amount of tuition we would otherwise lose when families fail to complete the school year with us. Many comparable preschools require tuition to be paid in full at the start of the school year or mandate direct withdrawal from a member’s checking account

I am planning to stay for the whole school year, but what if an unexpected move is required? What do I need to do?
The preschool needs 4 weeks notice for any withdrawal. You are required to complete your work days and pay tuition for 4 weeks from your date of notice. There are no tuition refunds, unless you prepaid months. April & May tuition cannot be used for your last month’s tuition. If you withdraw early April & May the tuition is forfeited.

Is there a Fundraising requirement?
There is not a required fundraising dollar amount, but all families are required to contribute to and participate in our Annual Bake Sale held at Laurelwood Elementary during Open House and our Annual Silent Auction.

How often will I get to work in the classroom?
EC Parents will work about 17 days over the course of the year. – about once every 5th class day.
PK parents will work about 19 days over the course of the year. – about once every other week.
PK+ Parents will work about 13 days over the course of the year - about once every 3 weeks

What do I do if I can't work on my workday?
We understand that as parents of young children the unexpected should be expected. If you are scheduled for a day can’t work for any reason you will need to arrange a trade with another parent. If a trade cannot be arranged there is a list of parents who are willing to work for you for a set fee.

Is there an opportunity to observe the classes in session?
Classroom observations start in January and will be available through the end of May. Prospective members are encouraged to observe the classrooms (without their children) during school hours by scheduling an appointment with the Recruiting Chairperson. Please e-mail Tara Holcomb [email protected] to schedule a time. THIS CONTACT IS FOR OBSERVATIONS ONLY. If you need registration information please see our Admissions page or email us at [email protected]

Who is the best teacher?
All our teachers are loving, highly qualified, and have a great deal of experience. Each has particular strengths and we encourage you to schedule an observation to help you match one of our very qualified teachers to your child's needs. Visit the teachers page to read their bios.

Are we a part of Laurelwood Elementary School?
No. Laurelwood Preschool is a private, non-profit, non-sectarian cooperative organization and we are NOT part of the Santa Clara Unified School District, we do however, match our holidays to their calendar.

How is the work schedule determined? When will I know when I work?
The Business Manager creates a three to four month work schedule which is distributed to the parents about 2 weeks before the next schedule begins so that parents can plan accordingly.

What is the adult/student ratio?
In EC, one teacher, 15 students, and 3 parents per class.
In Pre-K, one teacher, 18 students, and 3 parents per class.
PK+ one teacher, 18 students, 3 parents per class.

Are snacks provided?
Parents take turns to provide healthy snacks for the children in the class. A snack parent is assigned as part of the schedule.

Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Please email us at [email protected]
We do not have an office, but your email will be returned by our business manager.