FAQ
Naturally, many questions will arise throughout the admission process. We’ve listed some of the most frequently asked questions below. For other questions or to speak with the Admission Office, please reach us by phone 925-376-7900 x16 or email admissions@saklan.org.
- How Old Does my Child have to be for Admission to Saklan Valley School?
- Do you have any Financial Assistance or Scholarships Available?
- Do you have a Before- and After-School Program or Vacation Coverage?
- What are your Application and Testing Deadlines
- Do Saklan Students Wear Uniforms?
- How many Students are in Each Class?
- Can my Child get Transportation to Saklan Valley School?
- When will we Know if our Child has been Accepted?
How Old Does my Child have to be for Admission to Saklan Valley School?
Saklan begins with a preschool program – RAINBOW KIDS. If your child will be 3 years old by December 1, 2009, you may submit an application for admission to either the full-time or part-time preschool class for the 2009-10 school year. Students who will be turning 3 years old during December 2009 will be considered on a case-by-case basis. We take into account other factors, besides age, before admitting a child to preschool. Students are not guaranteed admission to preschool based upon age requirements alone. Students applying to Pre-Kindergarten (PK) or Kindergarten for the 2009-10 school year must be 4 or 5 (respectively) by December 1, 2009. Again, students who will be turning 4 or 5 during December 2009 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Do you have any Financial Assistance or Scholarships Available?
All families with students in PS through Grade 8 may apply for financial aid. We award all tuition assistance on the basis of demonstrated financial need. It is extremely important to meet the financial aid deadlines. Please visit the financial aid section to learn more about our procedures.
Do you have a Before- and After-School Program or Vacation Coverage?
Saklan offers before- and after-school care for all students in PS through Grade 8. Before-school care begins at 7:00 AM and after-school care is offered until 6:00 PM. Fees depend on use. We also offer a variety of after-school Enrichment classes for all grade levels. Homework Club is part of Extended Day and is offered everyday from 3:30 – 4:30. Saklan also offers extended coverage for students during some teacher in-service days. Please check with the Extended Day office for a list of these dates. Saklan’s summer camp program is available during the summer break.
What are your Application and Testing Deadlines?
January 30, 2009 is the Admission Application Deadline for all applicants, PS through Grade 8. Once we receive your application, we will contact you to schedule your child’s classroom “shadow” visit which is required for all grade levels. Admission testing for Kindergarten will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2009. Your attendance for the Kindergarten testing will be confirmed by the Admissions Office. All 5th – 8th grade applicants must arrange to take the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) prior to February 2009. Following the March 12, 2009 notification date, classes and grade levels may fill up. If so, qualified students are placed in a wait pool until space becomes available. If classes do not fill up, we will continue to accept applications on a rolling admissions basis.
Do Saklan Students Wear Uniforms?
Saklan students are required to wear uniforms in grades 1-8. Our uniform policy is described in the Saklan Student Handbook. Formal school uniforms are not required for PS, Pre-K or Kindergarten students.
How many Students are in Each Class?
Saklan has 1 preschool class with a maximum class size of 18 students and a student to teacher ratio of 6:1. At the Pre-K level, we have 2 classes with a maximum class size of 12 students each and a student to teacher ratio of 6:1. For Kindergarten and Grades 1 through 8, the maximum class size is 16 students.
Can my Child get Transportation to Saklan Valley School?
Saklan offers van transportation from Lafayette, Orinda, Walnut Creek, Alamo and Oakland. Van service is dependent on interest and usage from each area.
When will we Know if our Child has been Accepted?
As a member of the East Bay Independent School Association (EBISA), Saklan and all member schools have agreed upon a common mailing date for admissions letters and due date for enrollment agreements. Admission notification letters will be mailed on March 12, 2009 and the enrollment agreement with a 10% non-refundable deposit is due by 3:00pm on March 20, 2009
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If you have further questions, please contact the Admissions Office at (925) 376-7900 x16, or via email at admissions@saklan.org. You may also fill out the online inquiry form and the Admissions Office will contact you.
