Admissions

Thank you for your interest in our cooperative preschool!

When can my child start?

Students are admitted throughout the current school year whenever vacancies occur, or until February 1st.

During the month of January, classes for the upcoming school year are organized, with preference given to current preschool members, previous preschool members, members of the Little River United Church of Christ and applicants from the previous year’s waiting list. Open houses are scheduled in mid-January, when registration is opened to the general public.

Who can enroll, and how are classes filled?

We make every attempt to maintain an even number of boys and girls in each class. To be admitted to a specific class, the child must be 2, 3, or 4 by September 30th of the upcoming school year and one or both parents must be able to fulfill the classroom co-oping requirements as well as student aide participation. The State of Virginia considers a co-oping parent to be staff, thus one or both parents (if both decide to co-op) must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing as the role requires.

How do I apply?

The application process begins with taking a tour of the preschool, or attending one of our Open Houses in January. At that time, families receive information about completing our electronic application and submitting their application fee.

To be considered for a class or to be put on the wait list, the family must submit both the completed application form and the application fee, which is $75 per child (max. $150 per family) for the 2025-26 school year. This fee is non-refundable.

When are the open houses and tours?

Open houses are held in mid-January, when registration opens to the general public. The dates are posted here and on the school calendar as soon as they are set. Private tours run throughout the school year. Schedule a tour to see the classrooms and meet the teachers.

Is a co-op preschool the same as daycare?

No. Annandale Cooperative Preschool is a half-day preschool: classes meet from 9:00 am to 12:15 pm on their assigned days, September to May, and a parent helps in the classroom on a rotating schedule. It is not full-day or drop-off care. If you are looking for a small, teacher-led class where parents are part of school life, you are in the right place. The parent FAQ covers co-oping, class ages, tuition, and the waitlist.

Have a question we have not answered here? Read the parent FAQ or schedule a tour.