Tuition-based Kindergarten:  Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What about breaks, such as winter break and spring break -- do we pay during that time?
Yes, tuition was based on 180 days of school and all months were divided equally.

2.  What is the curriculum in the All Day vs. ½ day class?
Same curriculum is used for both full and half day.  Students in the full day program will receive addition class time, including music, PE, and library.

3.  Is it a separate class for the All Day vs. ½ day?
There may need to be half day students in a class with full day students. It will depend on the number of students that have paid for a full day class. The state funds half day kindergarten based on 23 students in a class. However, class size depends on the number registered for full day. It takes 16 students to pay for the expenses for the full day program.

4.  What are the expectations for the ½ day kids vs. the All Day kids?
Expectations are the same. It is the expectation that all students will meet state standards by end of the school year. This will not change because of some students going half day verses full day.

5.  At any time during the year can we decide to go to All Day?
If there is space at your school, you can decide to pay for full day. Tuition will be prorated for the remainder of the school year.

6.  At any time during the year can we decide we don’t want All Day anymore?
You can only be released by approval of the superintendent.

7.  Would all the ½ day classes just be in the morning (AM) ?
A.M. and P.M. sessions will depend on the number of students enrolled in the half day program.

8.  If the cost was based on needing 16 students, then will my tuition go down if there is more than 16 in the class?
The cost was based on an average across the district, including the estimate for tuition for free and reduced lunch students.  Funds will be accounted and at the end of the school year, if there is any surplus, the Board of Directors will decide what will be done with the surplus.

9.  If we sign up and then our “home” school doesn’t have enough room, do we have to go to another school?  Can we get our money back?
Yes, you can get a refund, or you can transport your student to another school that has room in the full day program.

10.  What happens if not enough say yes, will tuition increase?
No, the tuition is set for the 2011-12 school year. It will take 16 students to make a full day program. As long as we have 16 students at a school, then there will be a full day session at  that school.

11.  Transportation: why does ½ day not get transportation?
There has never been “mid-day” bussing.  Morning kids can ride to school, afternoon kids can ride home.

12.  Will all school have latchkey for the ½ day students?
The district does not provide child care. You will need to contact West Valley Child Care or your day care provided.

13.  When you will decide for sure that there will be an all day program at our “home” school?
Parents at schools that will not offer a full day session will be contacted in mid-August to be informed about the possibility of transferring their student to a school that will offer a full day session.

14.  Why did the district decide to offer a “pay” option?
The district went to this program based on input from parents who presented to the School Board.  The plan  was developed at parent requested.

15.  What is the maximum number in a classroom?
The stated funding formula provide for an average of 23 students in a classroom. Currently the West Valley School District has a kindergarten class size of 21. At this time we do not know if this will change to 23 or stay at 21.

16.  What is the minimum number needed to have an All Day class?
A minimum of 16 students have to be registered and have completed the ACH form in order to have a full day class.

17.  If we have twins, do we get a tuition break?
The plan approved by the board was based on a “per child” basis.

18.  What if a student is on an IEP?
Students will receive IEP services during the school day.  Students in a half day program will receive their IEP services during their school day.

19.  What about special days such as:  conference week, picture day, vision/hearing, assemblies, field trips, field day, etc.?  Who is going to get “what”?
Half day kindergarten students will not attend school during conference.  The teacher will be conferencing with parents during the school day.  For other special days, the schools will develop the schedule to ensure that kindergarten students are able to participate in the general school activities as much as possible.