Admissions Information

Priority is given to families in the following order:

• current students
• children of staff
• siblings of current students
• alumni
• new families on the waitlist
• new families

Within these groups, families registering for both a private 4K class or preschool and Extended Care receive priority.

Children are placed based on children’s ages, boy-to-girl ratio, teacher recommendations and children’s individual needs. Teachers may teach different ages year-to-year based on enrollment.

If your child is placed in a class at ORNS, you will receive a Tuition and Enrollment Contract in the mail or in your family mailbox at ORNS (for current families).

You then have 10 days to return the signed contract and a check that covers your last tuition installment (the specific amount will be stated on the contract). Please note that this pre-paid tuition is non-refundable.

If you do not return your contract and the appropriate tuition within 10 days your space will be given to the next applicant. Please contact ORNS if you have questions or concerns.

If you decide not to send your child to ORNS, you must submit in writing your intent to break the contract by July 1, 2020. Your registration fees and last tuition installment remain non-refundable, but you will be released from your contract without any further tuition obligations.

If you withdraw after July 1, 2020, you will remain contractually obligated for the remainder of the school year unless you move out of Dane County or if another family is contracted for that spot.

If a space is not available for your child in a class at ORNS for the upcoming school year, your family will be contacted and placed on a waiting list, if you wish. This waiting list placement will remain effective through October 31 of the coming year for families who have not signed a contract.

Please note: once the registration process begins for the following school year, you must submit a new application and registration fee.

Preschool tuition installment rates and fees can be found on the Tuition & Fees page. Fees for extended care programs vary depending on the time your child
spends at school.

The drop-in rate for extended care is $15/hour and is subject to availability.

There are two ways to reduce your family’s out-of-pocket cost for tuition:

• Partial tuition credit may be earned by helping at school. Please complete and submit the Parent Helper Application and submit it along with your Application for Enrollment check/fee.
• There is need-based tuition assistance/scholarships available to those who qualify. Contact the Executive Director if you would like to explore this option

7:45 - 8:45
Some children begin their day at Orchard Ridge Nursery School before their morning class. These children are greeted in the gym at 7:45, 8:00, or 8:15.

The early morning teacher offers a variety of activities for the children to choose from such as games and sports that are more conducive to smaller groups.

They also have access to small manipulatives, simple art activities, and have storytime. The early morning teacher will escort the children to their classroom at the appropriate time.

11:30 - 12:45
Lunch bunch is held in the gym, and children eat cold lunches brought from home (peanut and tree-nut free).

A teacher and a parent helper assist the children during lunch, supervise play, and read stories to the children before they are picked up at 12:45.

This program allows children to develop a variety of skills: conversing with a group, approaching adults for assistance, unpacking a lunch, learning to eat with a group, etc.

11:30 - 5:00 (pick up at 3:00, 3:30, 4:00, 4:30, or 5:00)

Explorers is offered to provide your child with additional opportunities for exploring and engaging in activities independently and with peers.

Each session will include time to enjoy a cold lunch brought from home (peanut and tree nut-free), literature/literature linked activities, choice time, rest time, and time on the playground.

Depending on the length of your child’s Explorer session, additional activities may include snack time, gym time, cooperative game opportunities, and an additional choice time.

11:30 - 5:00 (pick-up at 3:00, 3:30, 4:00, 4:30, 5:00)

Each session will include time to enjoy a cold lunch brought from home (peanut and tree nut-free), literature/literature linked activities, choice time, rest time, and time on the playground.

With the 4K All-Day option you will have the ability to extend your child's day in any preset combination of as little as 1 day all the way up to 5 days.

You will also be able to choose the pickup times in a preset flexible manner as well (pick-up times ranging from 3:00, 3:30, 4:00, 4:30, 5:00).

3:30 - 5:00 (pick up at 4:00, 4:30, or 5:00)
After their afternoon class ends, children join the Explorer class. The Explorers teacher will provide activities, tables games, or have group reading time.

Depending on the length of your child’s Explorer session, additional activities may include snack time, gym time, cooperative game opportunities, and an additional choice time.